NEW  TESTAMENT 


The 

SUMMARIZED 

BIBLE 


A  Brief  Spiritual 
Summary  of  Each 
Book  and  Chapter 
in  the  Bible,  for 
the  Busy  Student 


By 
KEITH  L.  BROOKS 

Los  Angeles,  California 


GIFT   OF 


jBummarized  Bible 


Complete 
jgummary  of  the 
Dew  T5estament 


By  KEITH  L.  BROOKS 

Author  of 

'Simple  Studies  in  Bible  Marking" 


Published  by 

BIBLE  INSTITUTE  OF  LOS  ANGELES 

536-558  South  Hope  Street 

Los  Angeles,  Cal. 


Copyright  1919 
KEITH    L.    BROOK 


HOW  SHALL  I  STUDY  MY  BIBLE? 

BY  FREDERIC  W.  FARR,  D.  D. 

EOPLE  are  always  asking,  how  shall  I  study  the  Bible?  What  is 
the  best  method?  There  is  no  short  cut,  no  royal  road,  no  magic 
method.  Say  to  such  an  inquirer,  "Read  the  Bible  over  and  over 
again — not  once,  nor  twice,  nor  thrice,  but  many,  many  times." 
And  that  is  all  any  one  can  do.  Read  it  until  you  become  familiar, 
cognizant  of  its  contents,  until  you  are  so  familiar  with  your  Bible, 
be  it  Bagster  or  Oxford,  that  you  can  close  your  eyes  and  visualize 
the  passage  by  locating  it  upon  a  particular  page  just  where  it 
belongs. 

In  riding  upon  a  railroad  train,  you  hear  the  trainmen  call  out  the  stations, 
and  you  refer  to  your  time  card  to  verify  the  call  as  each  station  is  passed,  and 
you  wonder  at  the  trained  memory  of  the  man  who  can  repeat  that  long  list  of 
way  stations  without  a  mistake,  and  you  ask  him  how  he  ever  does  it,  and  he 
smiles  and  replies  that  he  has  done  it  so  long  it  is  automatic,  done  without 
thought  and  without  effort;  and  so  the  best  product  of  Bible  study  becomes 
spontaneous  and  involuntary.  You  have  read  the  Bible  so  frequently,  so 
thoughtfully,  so  earnestly,  so  prayerfully  that  it  comes  to  you  without  direct 
effort  on  your  part  where  to  locate  a  passage  and  you  label  it  instinctively. 
And  when  the  facts  of  Scripture  are  all  in  your  head  and  heart,  you  can  safely 
trust  the  Holy  Spirit  to  interpret  those  facts,  and  you  need  not  that  any  man 
teach  you,  and  therefore  the  only  thing  to  seek  and  to  secure  is  to  become 
familiar  with  the  contents  of  che  Word — thoroughly  cognizant  of  all  the  facts 
of  Scripture,  and  read  them  so  often  that  you  see  them  on  the  page  where  they 
occur,  even  with  closed  eyes.  In  that  way,  a  man  with  one  book,  if  that  book 
be  the  Bible,  has  a  large  and  liberal  culture  and  an  education  that  will  serve 
manifold  purposes  in  solving  the  problems  and  bearing  the  burdens  and  dis- 
charging the  duties  of  daily  life. 

Christian  workers  must  be  taught  and  trained.  To  teach  is  to  cause  to 
know;  to  train  is  to  cause  to  do;  knowing  and  doing  are  related  as  a  means  to 
an  end,  as  a  cause  and  effect.  "If  ye  know  these  things,  happy  are  ye  if  ye  do 
them."  Theory  precedes  practice.  How  could  a  man  ever  do  anything  unless 
he  knows  how  it  ought  to  be  done?  We  not  only  have  to  be  taught,  we  have 
to  be  trained.  We  must  learn  the  theory,  we  must  acquire  the  practice  and 
knowledge  as  a  means  to  an  end.  I  shall  briefly  mention  seven  conditions  under 
which  Bible  study  may  be  prosecuted  with  success. 

Regeneration 

The  first  condition  is  indispensable  and  fundamental;  indeed  it  is  not 
so  much  a  condition  as  a  prerequisite,  and  that  is  regeneration.  You  must 
be  born  again  before  you  can  understand  the  Bible.  It  is  absolutely  necessary. 
(Matt.  13:11.)  What  Daniel  says  of  prophecy  is  true  of  all  Scriptures — 
"The  wise  shall  understand,  the  wicked  shall  not."  He  means  that  character 
rather  than  culture  is  the  condition  of  understanding  prophecy.  If  you  would 
understand  the  prophecies  of  God's  Word  correctly,  it  is  not  necessary  to  grad- 
uate at  a  University  or  Seminary,  and  read  Greek  and  Hebrew,  but  it  is  neces- 
sary to  be  good,  to  be  pure,  to  be  holy.  The  heart  makes  the  theologian.  The 
heart  is  the  organ  of  spiritual  vision,  and  character  rather  than  culture  be- 
comes the  key  to  unlock  the  mysteries  of  prophecy.  That  is  true  of  all  Scrip- 
ture. (1  Cor.  2:14.)  Suppose  a  man  is  sitting  beside  you  on  yonder  moun- 
tain top,  and  you  are  describing  to  him  the  glories  of  a  sunset.  The  west  is 
brilliant  with  prismatic  hues  of  iridescent  rainbow  beauty.  The  man  is  indif- 
ferent, and  unconcerned.  You  grow  indignant  until  you  discover  that  the  man 
is  blind.  What  cares  he  about  the  sunset?  What  knows  he  about  your 
words?  You  do  not  scold  him,  you  do  not  blame  him,  you  pity  him.  No  un- 
regenerated  man  can  know  anything  about  the  mysteries  of  God  and  the  mean- 
ing of  the  Bible.  A  man  must  be  a  Christian  before  he  can  open  the  Bible 
with  any  possibility  of  arriving  at  its  meaning.  It  is  spiritually  discerned. 
Suppose  I  say  to  you  that  on  the  back  of  your  hand  there  are  scales  like  those 
of  a  fish,  and  you  look  at  your  white  hand  and  laugh  in  scorn,  and  say  that  is 
nonsense.  Suppose  I  take  you  out  in  yonder  street  and  look  up  into  the  sky 
and  say  there  are  four  moons  revolving  around  the  planet  Jupiter,  and  you 
look  up  at  that  great  white  planet  in  the  evening  sky,  and  you  say  the  man  is 
crazy,  it  is  no  such  thing.  Suppose  I  take  your  razor  and  say  it  has  a  corru- 


415538 


gated  edge  like  ^a- 'or&ss-tHlt  saw,  and  you  hold  the  razor  up  to  the  light,  and 
you  say  it  is  not  so.  Put  your  hand  under  a  microscope;  it  looks  like  the 
back  of  an  alligator.  Put  the  sharpest  razor  you  ever  saw  under  a  miscroscopic 
lens;  it  looks  like  a  circular  saw.  Put  the  telescope  on  Jupiter,  and  you  see  the 
four  satellites  in  their  appointed  order.  That  former  statement  was  foolish- 
ness to  your  natural  eye,  because  it  was  miscroscopically  discerned.  That 
latter  statement  was  foolishness  to  your  natural  eye,  because  it  was  telescop- 
ically  discerned.  The  axioms  of  the  Bible  are  foolishness  to  the  natural  mind 
because  they  are  spiritually  discerned.  A  man  must  be  born  of  the  Spirit  before 
he  knows  what  the  Bible  teaches. 

Filled  With  the  Holy  Spirit 

Second:  A  man  must  be  baptized  with  the  Holy  Spirit  as  well  as  born 
of  the  Spirit  to  study  the  Bible  successfully.  Every  Christian  has  the  Holy 
Spirit.  "If  any  man  have  not  the  spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  His,"  and  "by  one 
Spirit  we  are  all  baptized  into  one  body."  But  there  is  something  beyond. 
There  is  a  reception  and  an  appropriation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  as  a  teacher  and 
a  guide  and  a  helper  that  confers  a  marvelous  benefit  upon  the  believer.  We 
have  a  mental  salvation. 

"Be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  your  minds."  We  have  talked  so  much  about 
purifying  the  heart  by  faith  that  we  have  forgotten  about  clarifying  the  mind. 
It  is  quite  as  necessary  to  have  a  renewed  mind  as  it  is  to  have  a  clean  heart. 
A  clear  head  may  be  a  product  of  the  Holy  Spirit  as  well  as  a  clean  heart. 
A  man  may  testify  to  heart  purity,  and  only  God  and  the  angels  know  any- 
thing about  it,  but  if  a  man  says  anything  about  his  clear  head,  as  soon  as 
he  opens  his  mouth  he  gives  himself  away.  The  Holy  Spirit  is  like  oil  to 
lubricate  the  mental  machinery  so  that  a  man  can  think  coherently,  imagine 
vividly,  remember  retentively,  argue  logically.  I  believe  that  a  Christian 
student  in  the  public  schools  uniformly  takes  higher  rank  than  a  scholar  who 
is  not  a  Christian.  I  ask  for  an  explanation  of  that  fact,  and  {you  say  a 
Christian  has  a  higher  motive.  He  has  a  conscientious  inducement  to  apply 
himself  and  to  be  faithful,  but  that  accounts  for  it  only  in  part.  A  Christian 
has  a  mentality  illuminated  by  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Once  upon  a  time  a  young  College  student  went  into  a  class  in  mathematics 
with  a  problem  in  Algebra  unsolved.  He  had  studied  long  and  hard  over  that 
lesson  but  in  vain.  When  he  got  into  the  class,  as  happens  so  frequently, 
the  Professor  sent  him  to  the  board  to  demonstrate  that  particular  problem 
that  he  didn't  have.  He  was  a  Christian  student.  He  didn't  relish  standing 
up  before  the  class  and  failing.  It  was  humiliating.  But  he  went  right  up 
to  the  blackboard  and  stood  before  it  feeling  very  helpless  and  very  much 
ashamed,  and  then  as  he  stood  there  with  his  back  to  the  class  and  his  face 
to  the  board,  he  prayed,  "O  God,  show  me  how  to  solve  this  problem."  In  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye  the  solution  flashed  into  his  mind,  and  he  seized  the  crayon 
and  dashed  off  the  figures,  to  the  applause  of  the  whole  class.  That  was  a 
mental  miracle.  It  was  the  Holy  Spirit  illuminating  his  mind  in  answer  to 
prayer.  If  he  had  wasted  the  morning  on  the  campus  loitering  or  gossiping, 
as  many  students  do,  he  might  have  gone  there  and  stood  with  his  face  to  the 
wall  until  night  and  prayed,  and  he  wouldn't  have  been  answered.  But  he  had 
grappled  faithfully  and  honestly  with  that  problem,  and  what  he  couldn't  do 
God  did  in  answer  to  prayer.  Now  that  comes  from  having  the  Holy  Spirit 
as  your  mentality  to  stimulate  you,  to  enlighten  you  and  to  help  you,  and  our 
minds  need  saving  quite  as  much  as  our  souls  and  quite  as  much  as  our  bodies, 
for  our  highest  life  is  a  mental  life,  and  even  our  spiritual  life  comes  under  the 
scope  of  our  mentality,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  is  our  teacher  to  guide  us  into 
all  truth,  and  even  a  believer  can  study  better  with  the  help  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

A  Ravenous  Appetite 

In  the  third  place,  there  must  be  a  ravenous  appetite  for  Bible  study. 
"Thy  words  were  found,  and  I  did  eat  them."  "I  have  esteemed  the  words  of 
his  mouth  more  than  my  necessary  food."  If  you  don't  love  to  study  the  Bible, 
you'd  better  postpone  this  course  of  study,  but  the  appetite  grows  by  what  it 
feeds  on,  and  if  you  haven't  any  appetite,  you  need  praying  for.  Sometimes  a 
person  is  run  down,  and  goes  to  a  doctor.  Before  the  doctor  makes  a  diagnosis, 
he  begins  to  quiz  you.  The  first  question  is,  how  is  your  appetite?  If  you  have 
no  appetite,  you  need  medicine.  When  a  Christian  has  no  appetite  for  God's 


Word,  it  is  a  dangerous  symptom.  Remember  what  the  Israelites  said  in  the 
wilderness,  "Our  soul  loatheth  this  light  bread."  Light  bread,  indeed.  It  was 
angels'  food.  If  it  was  good  enough  for  the  angels,  it  ought  to  have  been  good 
enough  for  the  Israelites.  We  remember  the  food  of  the  Egyptians — cucum- 
bers, melons,  garlic,  etc.  Many  people  prefer  novels  or  newspapers  to  the 
Bible — members  of  the  church  too.  They  have  no  appetite.  To  make  any 
progress  in  Bible  study,  you  must  love  the  Bible.  Unless  you  put  your  heart 
into  the  work,  it  is  drudgery,  and  it  never  succeeds.  The  highest  success  is 
the  spirit  in  which  you  do  your  work.  God  never  says,  "Well  done,  thou 
good  and  successful  servant,"  but  "Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant." 
Cultivate  your  appetite.  A  strong  spiritual  appetite  is  the  greatest  spiritual 
safeguard.  "How  sweet  are  Thy  words  unto  my  mouth,  yea  sweeter  than 
honey  to  my  lips." 

Unflagging  Industry 

Fourth  condition:  Unflagging  industry,  hard  work.  "In  whom  are  hid- 
den all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  of  knowledge."  Men  don't  find  golden 
nuggets  lying  around  loose  on  the  surface  of  the  earth.  They  have  to  look 
for  them,  and  the  deeper  they  dig  and  the  harder  they  work,  the  more  precious 
treasure  do  they  find.  There  are  no  rewards  for  laziness.  There  is  no  truth 
to  be  discovered  save  by  the  hardest  work.  Every  chapter,  every  passage,  every 
verse  is  a  great  mine,  of  which  we  only  scratch  the  outer  surface.  The  Word 
is  infinite  and  inexhaustible.  But  this  is  the  greatest  need  of  all — hard  work. 
The  chief  attraction  of  heaven  lies  suggested  in  the  activities  of  the  cherubim 
— they  rest  not  day  nor  night.  They  work  24  hours  a  day.  Isn't  that  delight- 
ful? The  time  we  sleep  is  wasted.  We  are  unconscious.  What  a  small  sum 
of  our  time  remains  to  do  anything!  One-third  of  our  time  is  spent  in  bed, 
resting,  another  one-third  feeding,  grooming  and  nursing  these  bodies  of  our 
humiliation.  What  a  pitiable  fraction  of  time  is  left  to  do  anything  for  God  or 
man,  and  oh,  how  glorious  it  will  be  to  keep  on  working  24  hours  at  a  stretch! 
The  student  who  works  the  hardest  does  the  most  and  goes  the  farthest. 

Implicit  Obedience 

Fifth  condition:  Implicit  obedience  (John  vii,  17).  Power  goes  with 
plan,  obedience  guarantees  blessing.  If  you  want  spiritual  power,  you  must 
discover  the  divine  plan,  conform  to  it  and  cooperate  with  it,  but  if  you  want 
spiritual  blessing,  be  perfectly  obedient  to  every  divine  suggestion  and  com- 
mand, and  blessedness  shall  be  yours.  Whenever  we  discover  some  new  truth 
in  Scripture,  it  has  to  be  translated  into  conduct  and  incorporated  into  char- 
acter. When  a  man  gets  his  head  crammed  with  knowledge,  he  is  like  a  ship 
with  all  the  cargo  on  the  upper  deck,  a  very  dangerous  and  most  unstable  con- 
dition. It  is  liable  at  any  moment  to  capsize  and  flounder.  Truth  must  perco- 
late from  the  head  down  into  the  heart.  There  must  be  the  moral  response 
and  an  attitude  assumed  that  shall  be  correlated  to  the  truth  itself.  If  I 
draw  back  and  refuse  to  obey  the  light  that  is  given,  God  will  give  no  further 
light  until  I  live  up  to  what  I  have  and  act  upon  the  knowledge  that  is  given. 
Many  a  case  of  spiritually  arrested  development  may  be  explained  by  dis- 
obedience. I  suppose  nine-tenths  of  all  intellectual  difficulty  has  an  ethical  root 
and  if  men  would  do  what  they  know  to  be  right,  their  doubts  would  melt 
away  in  the  doing. 

Reverent  Humility 

Sixth:  Humility — reverent  humility.  "If  any  man  think  that  he  knoweth 
anything,  he  knoweth  nothing  as  he  ought  to  know."  This  is  only  another 
name  for  docility.  This  is  the  characteristic  of  an  ideal  disciple.  Disciple  is 
the  word  those  who  followed  Jesus  first  received.  Disciple  means  learner. 
They  entered  the  school  of  faith  and  of  life.  The  Latin  word  from  which  hu- 
mility comes  means  near  the  ground.  An  old  writer  said,  "There  are  two 
safe  places  in  the  universe,  the  heavens  and  the  dust.  Of  these  two,  the  dust 
is  the  safer  place,  for  there  have  been  those  who  fell  out  of  heaven,  but  who 
ever  heard  of  any  one  falling  out  of  the  dust?  Where  could  he  fall?"  Be 
clothed  with  humility,  a  new  style  of  dress  goods,  prices  not  gone  up  on 
account  of  the  war.  "God  resisteth  the  proud  and  giveth  grace  unto  the  hum- 
ble." But  alas!  when  the  consciousness  of  humility  goes  into  the  heart,  the 
grace  of  humility  goes  out.  Life  is  for  learning,  and  there  is  no  privilege 


greater  than  going  to  school.  Christ  is  the  Teacher,  and  we  graduate  into 
the  High  School  of  heaven  to  sit  at  His  feet  throughout  eternity.  Gifted  godly 
men  can  teach  you  much,  but  by  and  by  on  the  heaven  side  bank  of  the  river 
of  death,  you'll  sit  down  with  Paul  and  Abraham  and  Noah  and  Enoch,  and 
they'll  give  you  Bible  teaching  that  is  worth  looking  forward  to.  That  is  a 
post-graduate  course  that  awaits  us  on  the  other  side.  Humility  is  necessary 
because  it  tends  to  self-depreciation.  There  is  no  dogmatism  or  bigotry  so  hard 
and  bitter  as  that  of  ignorance.  Lord  Bason  said,  "A  little  learning  tendeth 
to  self-conceit,  but  much  learning  tendeth  to  humility."  The  men  who  know 
most  think  they  know  the  least,  and  the  men  who  know  the  least  think  they 
know  it  all. 

Socrates  was  declared  to  be  the  wisest  man  in  Greece.  He  was  asked, 
"What  do  you  know?"  "I  don't  know  anything."  "That  is  very  strange. 
The  oracle  declared  you  to  be  the  wisest  man  in  all  the  world."  They  went 
back  to  dispute  the  oracle.  "Socrates  declares  he  knows  nothing."  The  oracle 
replied,  "Others  know  not  that." 

Ceaseless  Prayer 

Seventh  and  last:  Ceaseless  prayer.  (Jer.  33:3.)  "Call  unto  me,  and 
I  will  answer  thee,  and  show  thee  great  and  hidden  things  which  thou  knowest 
not."  Suppose  you  ponder  long  on  a  passage  of  Scripture,  and  the  meaning 
is  vague.  What  shall  you  do?  Consult  commentaries?  Yes,  but  get  down  on 
your  knees  and  pray.  Say  "Lord,  what  does  this  passage  mean?"  Then  get 
up  and  study  it  some  more.  If  it  still  baffles  you,  get  down  and  pray  about 
it  some  more  and  plead  the  promise.  Open  your  Bible  to  James  1:5,  put  your 
finger  on  this  passage,  and  say  "Lord,  I  plead  this  particular  promise.  I  con- 
fess my  lack  of  wisdom.  O,  Thou  Spirit  of  Light  and  Truth,  illumine  me." 
Then  get  up  and  go  to  work,  and  while  you  work  and  while  you  pray,  light  will 
filter  in,  and  thought  will  come  from  God.  Have  you  ever  wondered  where 
thought  comes  from?  Is  not  the  origin  of  thought  as  great  a  mystery  as  the 
origin  of  life?  Who  can  explain  it?  We  say  life  comes  from  God.  Doesn't 
thought  come  from  God?  You  hold  your  mind  against  a  problem,  and  keep  it 
there.  From  the  north  and  from  the  south  and  from  the  east  and  from  the 
west  ideas  come  like  doves  flocking  to  the  window?  Whence  come  they  if  not 
from  God?  Luther's  motto  was,  "To  have  prayed  well  is  to  have  studied 
well."  The  time  you  spend  in  prayer  is  an  immense  advantage,  not  a  hindrance, 
not  a  handicap,  but  an  indispensable  help  to  the  understanding  of  God's  Word. 
Consider  the  seven  conditions  under  which  Bible  study  may  be  pursued:  Re- 
generation, baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  ravenous  appetite,  unflagging  industry, 
implicit  obedience,  reverent  humility,  ceaseless  prayer. 


GOSPEL  OF  MATTHEW  Page  Seven 

MATTHEW 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Savior  of  the  Jews  28  27:37  King  and   Savior 

of  the  Jews. 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Jesus,  the  Messiah- 
King,  was  rejected  and 
killed  but  His  wound- 
Matthew  A.  D.  37  ing  was  for  our  trans- 
gressions, and  He  was 
bruised  for  our  iniqui- 
ties. He  is  coming 
again  to  rule  and  judge. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      Generations  of  Jesus  Christ.      His  conception  and  birth. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Joseph,  Mary,  generations  of  Christ 
from  Abraham  to  David. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ  was,  in  accordance  with  the  prophecies,  conceived 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  a  virgin.  He  was  both  Son  of  Man  and  Son  of 
God,  thereby  being  qualified  to  save  His  people  from  their  sins. 

Key  Word:      Genealogy,  vv.    1,   17. 

Strong  Verses:      21,    22,    23. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  10.  See  Gen.  3:15;  Isa.  7:14,  8:8,  10;  Mic.  5:2,  3.  Jesus 
was  not  begotten  of  natural  generation.  Note  v.  16,  "Mary,  of  whom  was 
born  Jesus."  A  feminine  form  for  the  word  "born"  being  used,  indicates 
that  Jesus  was  born  of  Mary,  not  of  man.  He  was  without  a  sinful  nature, 
for  the  reason  that  He  had  the  Holy  Spirit  for  His  Father. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Visit  of  the  Magi,  flight  into  Egypt,  Herod's  slaughter  of  the  inno- 
cents. Return  of  Joseph  and  Mary  to  Nazareth. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Joseph,  Mary,  Herod,  chief  priests,  scribes,  wise  men, 
Archelaus. 

Conclusion:  The  light  of  the  Scriptures  and  the  light  of  nature  are  calculated 
to  lead  the  seeking  soul  to  Christ,  the  Savior.  Those  who  follow  their 
light  to  Him  will  find  in  Him  joy  unspeakable.  Those  who  spurn  their 
light  will  have  in  this  life  only  dread  of  Him  and  hereafter  naught  but 
misery. 

Key  Word:      Star  of  Bethlehem,  vv.  2,  9,  10. 

Strong  Verses:      6,   9,   10,   11. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  12.  This  is  the  first  of  21  unsuccessful  attempts  on  the 
life  of  Jesus  which  mark  the  enmity  of  Satan  and  his  desire  to  cut  Him  off 
before  His  appointed  work  could  be  done.  That  enmity  was  manifested  in 
O.  T.  times  against  the  royal  line,  and  now  that  Christ's  sacrifice  has  been 
made,  it  is  shown  in  the  blinding  of  the  hearts  of  men  lest  they  see  Him  as 
their  Savior,  and  against  Christians  that  their  testimony  for  Him  might  be 
hindered. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:      Ministry  of  John  the  Baptist  and  baptism  of  Jesus. 

Characters:      God,   Jesus,   John. 

Conclusion:  To  follow  Jesus  in  the  waters  of  baptism  is  to  publicly  acknowl- 
edge our  separation  from  sin,  determination  to  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God, 
and  consecration  to  His  service. 

Key  Word:      Baptism,   vv.    6,    13. 

Strong  Verses:      8,    16,    17. 

Striking  Facts:  When  John  announced  (v.  2)  the  "kingdom  of  the  heavens  at 
hand,"  he  announced  that  the  Christian  dispensation  was  the  next  thing 


Page  Eight  MATTHEW 

to  come.  He  presented  Jesus  not  as  King  who  would  at  that  time  set  up 
His  earthly  throne,  but  as  "the  Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away  the  sins  of 
the  world"  (the  true  prophetic  order).  By  Israel's  rejection  of  Him  as 
such  they  have  been  nationally  set  aside  until  the  "fullness  of  the  Gentiles 
be  come  in,"  after  which  Jesus  as  King  will  return  to  earth  in  glory  to 
rule.  (Matt.  24:29;  25:46;  Luke  19:12-19;  Acts  15:14-17.) 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Temptation  of  Jesus.  Jesus'  public  ministry  begun.  Call  of  first 
disciples. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Satan,  John  the  Baptist,  Peter,  Andrew,  James,  John, 
Isaiah. 

Conclusion:  The  Word  of  God  is  the  Sword  of  the  Spirit,  which  if  rightly  han- 
dled, will  deal  defeat  to  Satan  in  his  attempts  to  snare  the  believer  by 
tempting  suggestions.  Beware  of  Satanic  twisting  of  Scripture — "rightly 
divide  the  Word  of  Truth." 

Key  Word:      Temptation. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  6,  10. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  1.  It  is  sometimes  asked  "If  Jesus  was  without  a  sinful 
nature,  how  could  He  be  tempted?"  May  not  a  city  be  besieged,  though 
impregnable?  Acid  will  corrode  some  metals — others  it  will  not.  The 
devil  applied  his  test  to  Christ — it  did  not  corrode.  Note  comparison  of 
Jesus'  temptations  with  those  of  the  first  Adam.  (1).  Gen.  3:6  lust  of 
the  flesh  (tree  good  for  food);  Jesus  to  turn  stones  into  bread.  (2). 
Lust  of  the  eyes  (tree  pleasant  to  the  eyes);  Jesus — glory  of  kingdoms  of 
the  earth — to  take  them  in  a  way  not  appointed  by  the  Father.  (3). 
Pride  of  the  life — (desiied  to  make  one  wise);  Jesus — to  throw  Himself 
from  pinnacle  to  be  hailed  by  crowds  below  as  the  long  expected  Messiah. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  Sermon  on  the  mount.  Beatitudes.  Believer  as  salt  and  light. 
Christ's  relation  to  the  law.  Divorce. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus. 

Conclusion:  The  relationship  of  a  child  of  God  will  be  manifested  in  the  world 
by  his  shining  and  burning  as  a  light  for  Christ,  by  his  quiet  and  savory 
influence  in  society,  and  by  his  conformity  to  the  Word  of  God  in  all 
things. 

Key  Word:      Sermon  on  the  Mount,  vv.   1,   2. 

Strong  Verses:      3-16,    18,    28,    32,    39,    44,    48. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  3.  Some  teach  that  the  teachings  of  the  sermon  on  the 
mount  are  applicable  only  to  the  future  earthly  kingdom  of  Christ,  not 
the  present  age,  and  as  such  are  postponed  until  Christ's  second  coming. 
However  we  think  of  the  "kingdom  of  the  heavens"  as  the  church  age, 
during  which  Christ,  through  regeneration,  is  peopling  the  heavens,  and 
these  principles  seem  to  have  clearer  application  to  the  present  age  than 
to  that  time  when  righteousness  shall  cover  the  earth  as  the  waters  cover 
the  sea. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  continued.  Formalism  condemned.  The 
new  revelation  of  prayer  (disciples  prayer).  The  law  of  riches.  Cure  of 
anxiety. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus. 

Conclusion:  True  relationship  to  God  will  be  manifested  by  a  motive  of  heart 
devotion  to  God  back  of  all  charity  to  men,  by  absolute  sincerity  and 
humility  in  the  prayer  life,  by  laying  up  heavenly  treasures  and  by  absolute 
confidence  in  the  Heavenly  Father  to  supply  all  real  needs  and  overcome 
all  troubling  circumstances. 

Key  Word:      Sermon  on  the  Mount,  5:2. 
Prayer,    6:5. 

Strong  Verses:      1,    6,   8,   9-13,   19,   20,   21,    33,    34. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  8-13.  Rather  than  the  "Lord's  prayer,"  this  should  be 
designated  as  "the  diciple's  prayer,"  for  Jesus  could  not  pray  this  prayer 
as  the  expression  of  His  own  needs. 

It  should  be  remembered  also  that  it  is  not  based  upon  the  atoning 


MATTHEW  P age  Nine 

work  of  the  cross,  which  at  the  time  it  was  given,  was  yet  future.  Christ's 
finished  work  which  makes  possible  deliverance  from  sin,  should  be 
thought  into  this  prayer  when  used  by  the  Christian.  It  is  a  model  of 
what  true  prayer  is — (1)  Puts  the  Father's  interest  before  personal  in- 
terests. (2)  Puts  earthly  needs  in  right  proportion  to  spiritual  needs. 
(3)  Bases  prayer  upon  relationship.  (4)  Trusts  God  for  present  needs, 
not  worrying  about  the  morrow. 

CHAPTER   SEVEN 

Contents:  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  continued.  Encouragement  to  prayer.  The 
two  ways.  Warnings  against  false  teachers.  Danger  of  profession  with- 
out faith.  The  two  foundations. 

Characters:      God,   Jesus. 

Conclusion:  True  disciples  of  Christ  will  be  men  and  women  cautious  in  their 
judgment  of  others;  conscious  of  their  own  faults;  confident  and  earnest  in 
prayer;  wary  of  false  teachers  and  hypocritical  profession;  building  all 
eternal  hopes  upon  the  firm  Rock,  faith  in  the  Word  of  God  and  Christ 
Jesus. 

Key  Word:      Sermon  on  the  Mount,  5:2.      (Two  ways,  vv.  13,  24,  26.) 

Strong  Verses:      1,    2,    7,    8,    12,    15,    21,    24. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  22  shows  that  there  will  be  among  those  rejected  by  Christ 
in  the  last  days,  many  preachers,  so-called  soul  winners  and  good  moral 
men,  simply  because  devoid  of  true  faith  in  Christ  who  alone  is  the  foun- 
dation of  salvation.  Beware  of  mere  lip-devotion  which  signifies  nothing, 
either  here  or  hereafter. 

CHAPTER  EIGHT 

Contents:  Jesus  heals  a  leper,  the  centurion's  servant  and  Peter's  wife's 
mother.  Professed  disciples  tested.  Stilling  of  the  waves.  Casting-out 
demons  at  Gadara. 

Characters:  Jesus,  leper,  centurion  and  his  servant,  Peter's  mother-in-law, 
two  men  of  Gadara,  disciples. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  is  the  divine  Son  of  God,  sovereign  over  all  physical  ail- 
ments, over  all  circumstances,  over  the  powers  of  nature,  over  the  evil 
emissaries  of  Satan  and  over  sin  (9:5).  Faith  takes  Him  at  His  word  and 
finds  rest  and  deliverance  at  all  times  in  His  Word  of  power. 

Key  Word:      Sovereign  Christ,  vv.   17,   27. 

Strong   Verses:      13    (a),    27. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  29.  Men  may  deny  the  deity  of  Christ,  but  demons  know 
better.  His  divine  Sonship  is  proven  amply  by  the  demonstration  of  His 
power  in  all  spheres.  He  was  not  only  Son  of  God,  but  Son  of  Man 
(vv.  20,  24)  and  having  been  subjected  to  all  human  testings,  He  be- 
came a  perfect  sacrifice  and  substitute  for  the  believer  on  the  Cross. 

CHAPTER  NINE 

Contents:  Healing  of  the  palsied  man.  Call  of  Matthew.  Answering  the 
Pharisees.  Healing  of  woman  with  issue  of  blood.  Daughter  of  a  ruler 
raised  from  the  dead.  Two  blind  men  healed.  A  demon  cast  out.  Preach- 
ing and  healing  in  Galilee. 

Characters:      Jesus,  palsied  man,  sick  woman,  Jairus,  his  daughter,  Matthew. 

Conclusion:  All  power  is  given  unto  Jesus  Christ,  both  in  heaven  and  in 
earth.  Degradation  and  disease,  demons  and  death  are  subject  to  His 
rebuke,  and  faith  in  Him  is  the  most  priceless  treasure  on  earth,  vv.  2, 
22,  29. 

Key  Word:      Power,  vv.   6,   8. 

Strong  Verses:      6, ,12,  13,  37,  38. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  3.  Either  Christ  was  the  Son  of  God  with  power  to  forgive 
sins  and  those  who  claim  He  is  a  mere  man  with  no  such  power,  are  them- 
selves blasphemers — or  else  He  was,  as  they  charged,  a  blasphemer.  His 
deity  is  fully  established  by  His  deliverances  from  sin,  and  the  conscious- 
ness of  forgiveness  which  He  has  given  to  millions  of  people  throughout 
the  age. 


Page  Ten  MATTHEW 

CHAPTER  TEN 

Contents:      The  twelve  instructed  and  sent  out. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Peter,  Andrew,  James,  John,  Philip, 
Bartholomew,  Thomas,  Matthew,  James,  Thaddaeus,  Simon,  Judas. 

Conclusion:  The  call  of  Jesus  to  His  service  is  His  enabling  for  that  service. 
He  stands  with  His  servants  in  all  their  trials,  takes  notice  of  every  insult 
they  are  called  upon  to  endure,  honors  them  in  this  life  for  their  witness 
of  Him  and  will  abundantly  reward  them  in  the  next  life  for  all  their 
faithfulness.  No  cross,  no  crown.  No  gall,  no  glory. 

Key  Word:      Calling  and  enduement,  v.   1. 

Strong  Verses:      16,   24,  25,   28,   30,   32,   33,   37,   38,   42. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  32.  Confession  of  Christ  is  the  normal  answer  of  a  new 
born  soul  to  God.  "Out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speak- 
eth."  To  evidence  the  sincerety  of  our  faith  by  boldly  witnessing  for 
Him  gives  us  One  in  heaven  who  speaks  a  good  word  to  the  Father  for  us. 

CHAPTER  ELEVEN 

Contents:  Answer  to  questions  sent  Jesus  by  John  the  Baptist.  Judgment 
predicted  as  result  of  rejection  of  Christ.  Rest  for  individuals  who  put 
their  trust  in  Him. 

Characters:      Jesus,  John  the  Baptist. 

Conclusion:  The  miracles  of  Christ  are  the  seal  of  heaven  upon  Him,  evincing 
His  divine  commission,  and  proving  to  this  day  the  truth  of  His  doctrine. 
Those  who  will  not  be  prejudiced  against  Him  nor  scandalized  in  Him, 
cannot  but  be  blessed  in  Him.  Those  who  will  be  yoked  with  Him  in  His 
burdens,  will  by  Him,  be  lifted  out  of  all  their  burdens. 

Key  Word:      Offended  in  Christ,  vv.  6,  19,  25. 

Strong  Verses:      6,   25,   28,    29,    30. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  28.  This  is  a  pivotal  point  in  the  ministry  of  Jesus.  The 
Savior-King  being  spurned  by  the  Jews,  now  offers  rest  and  service  to  all 
who  are  conscious  of  their  need.  To  these  He  will  GIVE  rest  (peace  with 
God,  Rom.  5:1,  the  rest  of  salvation),  and  in  His  service  they  shall  contin- 
ually FIND  rest  (the  peace  of  God,  Phil.  4:7). 

CHAPTER  TWELVE 

Contents:  Jesus  announces  Himself  Lord  of  Sabbathy  Controversy  wijth 
Pharisees.  Healing  of  the  withered  hand.  A  demoniac  healed.  The 
unpardonable  sin.  Death  and  resurrection  foretold.  Deficiency  of  self- 
reformation.  Jesus'  new  relationships. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Pharisees,  disciples,  man  with  withered  hand, 
Satan,  David,  Jonah,  Queen  of  the  South. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord  of  the  Sabbath  day,  giving  us  the  true 
example  of  the  acceptable  use  of  that  day,  spending  it  with  and  for  God. 
Ascribing  the  word  which  Christ  does  in  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
to  Satan,  is  a  sin  unpardonable  here  or  hereafter. 

Key  Word:      Lord  of  Sabbath,  v.   8. 

Strong  Verses:      8,   30,   32,   36,   50. 

Striking  Facts:  The  Sabbath  (v.  1)  commemorates  a  finished  creation.  The 
Lord's  day  (see  v.  40)  commemorates  a  finished  redemption,  for  Christ 
arose  from  the  grave  on  the  first  day.  The  seventh  day  was  a  day  of  legal 
obligation.  The  first  day  is  a  day  of  voluntary  worship. 

CHAPTER  THIRTEEN 

Contents:  Mysteries  of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.  The  sower,  tares  and  wheat, 
grain  of  mustard  seed,  leaven,  hid  treasure,  pearl,  drag  net. 

Characters:      Jesus,   disciples,   Satan,   Isaiah. 

Conclusion:  The  present  age  will  be  marked  to  its  end  by  the  presence  of 
both  professors  of  religion  and  possessors — sinners  and  saints.  The  be- 
liever's work  is  to  sow  the  Word  of  God  in  faith,  not  expecting  thereby  to 
convert  the  whole  world,  but  in  expectation  of  Him,  who  at  the  end  of  the 
age,  will  come  with  His  angels  to  separate  the  good  and  the  bad — to  make 
an  end  of  sinners  and  set  up  His  glorious  Kingdom. 

Key  Word:      Kingdom  mysteries,  v.   11. 

Strong  Verses:      12,   41,   42. 


MATTHEW  Page  Eleven 

Striking  Facts:  Some  make  the  parables  of  the  mustard  seed  and  the  leaven 
to  teach  the  conversion  of  the  whole  world  in  this  age  by  the  preaching  of 
the  gospel.  This  view  is  explicitly  contradicted  by  Jesus'  interpretation 
of  the  parables  of  the  wheat  and  tares  and  the  drag  net — therefore  there 
is  something  wrong  with  the  popular  interpretation  of  the  leaven  and 
mustard  seed.  Leaven  means  "corruption"  and  is  always  used  in  Scrip- 
ture as  a  symbol  of  evil.  The  mustard  seed  parable  pictures  an  abnormal 
and  unsubstantial  growth  of  the  outward  church.  See  Dan.  4:20-22. 


CHAPTER  FOURTEEN 

Contents:  Herod's  troubled  conscience  and  the  murder  of  John  the  Baptist. 
The  5000  fed.  Jesus  walks  on  the  water. 

Characters:  Jesus,  John  the  Baptist,  Herod,  Herodias,  and  her  daughter,  dis- 
ciples. 

Conclusion:  That  will  be  multiplied  and  blessed  to  the  service  of  men  which 
is  by  faith  passed  through  the  hands  of  Christ.  Faith  and  love  with 
little  can  do  much.  (v.  18.)  The  steps  of  faith  fall  on  a  seeming  void 
but  always  find  a  rock.  No  sea  is  too  rough  on  which  to  venture  if  the 
eyes  are  on  Christ  and  He  has  bidden  us  "come"  (vv.  29,  30). 

Key  Word:      Lord  of  nature,  vv.    X8,  25,   33. 

Strong  Verses:      18,   27. 

Striking  Facts:  Note  v.  33.  The  sure  cure  for  the  Unitarian  belief  about 
Christ,  is  to  be  out  on  a  boisterous  sea  where  no  human  power  can  help, 
and  then  see  Him  come  forth  to  quiet  the  boisterous  winds  and  save 
the  sinking  soul. 

CHAPTER  FIFTEEN 

Contents:  Scribes  and  Pharisees  rebuked.  Syrophonecian's  daughter  healed. 
The  multitude  healed.  4000  fed. 

Characters:      Jesus,    Peter,    (disciples),    Syrophonecian   woman,    her    daughter. 

Conclusion:  The  Christian  life  is  not  a  label  to  put  on,  but  a  life  to  be  put 
in;  not  a  system  of  doctrine  to  be  quibbled  about  but  a  great  principle  to 
be  lived  out.  Genuine  faith  overcomes  all  obstacles.  His  compassion 
meets  all  needs. 

Key  Word:      Hypocrites,  v.    7. 

Strong  Verses:      8,  28. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  28.  This  was  the  first  time  the  rejected  Christ  ministered 
to  a  Gentile  (cf.  Matt.  12:18).  When  a  Gentile  addressed  Him  as  "Son 
of  David"  (v.  22)  He  made  no  reply,  but  when  she  acknowledged  Him  as 
"Lord,"  He  answered  immediately  (v.  25).  The  Gentile  has  no  claim  un- 
der the  covenant  rights  and  promises  of  Israel. 


CHAPTER  SIXTEEN 

Contents:  Jesus'  rebuke  of  bl'nd  Pharisees.  The  symbol  of  leaven  in- 
terpreted. Peter's  confession  of  the  deity  of  Jesus.  Jesus  foretells  His 
death  and  resurrection. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Peter,  Satan,  disciples,  John  the  Baptist,  Elias, 
Jeremiah. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God,  the  foundation  stone  of  the  church. 
He  died  for  the  sin  of  the  world,  arose  for  the  justification  of  the  be- 
liever and  is  coming  back  in  glory  to  reward  His  own.  The  cross  of 
Calvary  was  God's  program  for  Him,  essential  for  the  salvation  of  men 
and  all  attempts  to  turn  Him  from  it  were  Satan-inspired  (as  are  all  de- 
nials of  its  necessity  today). 

KeyWord:  Deity  (v.  16);  Death  (v.  21);  Resurrection  (vv.  4,  21);  Descent 
(v.  27). 

Strong  Verses:      15,   24,   26. 

Striking  Facts:  Note  vv.  17,  18.  Jesus  does  not  here  infer  that  the  church 
was  to  be  built  upon  Peter  but  upon  Himself,  as  just  confessed  by  Peter 
(v.  16)  (Cf.  1  Peter  2:4-9).  In  the  Greek,  the  word  "Petra"  is  in  fem- 
inine form,  denoting  that  the  reference  was  not  to  Peter,  but  to  his  con- 
fession. The  deity  of  Christ  is  the  foundation  doctrine  of  Christianity. 


Page  Twelve  MATTHEW 

CHAPTER  SEVENTEEN 

Contents:  The  transfiguration  of  Jesus  Christ.  The  powerless  disciples,  un- 
able to  heal  a  lunatic,  and  the  mighty  Christ.  Resurrection  again  foretold. 
Miracle  of  the  tribute  money. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Moses,  Elijah,  Peter,  James,  John,  a  father  and  his 
lunatic  son,  John  the  Baptist,  disciples. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ  is  sealed  of  heaven  as  the  beloved  Son  of  God, 
glorious  and  mighty  in  His  person,  possessed  of  all  power  in  heaven  and 
earth,  the  Victor  over  death  and  the  grave,  yet  to  reign  in  glory.  Genuine 
faith  in  Him  and  yieldedness  to  His  power,  moves  the  arm  of  omnipotence. 

Key  Word:      Transfiguration,   v.    2.      Faith,  v.    20. 

Strong   Verses:      5,    20. 

Striking  Facts:  The  transfiguration  is  the  answer  to  v.  28  of  the  preced- 
ing chapter.  In  it,  we  see  in  miniature,  the  elements  of  the  coming 
earthly  Kingdom  of  Christ.  Jesus  in  His  glory  (v.  2);  Moses  standing 
for  believers  who  have  passed  on  through  death  (v.  3) ;  Elijah  representing 
those  who  will  be  translated  (v.  3.  Cf.  1  Thess.  4:14-17);  Three  disciples 
representing  Israel  in  the  flesh  at  His  coming;  Gentiles  at  foot  of  moun- 
tain for  the  living  nations.  It  was  given  just  following  the  announce- 
ment which  disappointed  the  disciples,  His  rejection  and  death,  and  was 
for  their  encouragement. 

CHAPTER  EIGHTEEN 

Contents:  Sermon  on  the  child  text.  Discipline  in  the  church.  Unity  in 
prayer.  Law  of  forgiveness. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,   Peter. 

Conclusion:  Those  are  truly  great  who  are  truly  humble  and  good,  and  God 
is  pleased  with  those  who  multiply  their  pardons  of  others,  even  as  they 
have  many  times  been  pardoned  by  Him. 

Key  Word:      Greatness,  v.   1.      Forgiveness,  v.   21. 

Strong  Verses:      3,   4,   11,   19,   20,   21,   22. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  20.  Where  His  saints  are,  there  is  the  sanctuary  of  Christ. 
While  as  to  His  person  He  is  in  heaven,  His  Spirit  is  with  our  spirits, 
and  He  is  the  central  figure  in  every  gathering  for  prayer  in  His  name. 
Not  a  multitude,  but  faith  and  sincere  devotion  on  the  part  of  worshippers, 
even  though  there  be  but  two  or  three,  invites  His  presence  and  the  mani- 
festation of  His  power  among  them. 

CHAPTER  NINETEEN 

Contents:  Christ  and  the  divorce  question.  Little  children  blessed.  The 
rich  young  ruler.  Apostles'  future  place  in  the  Kingdom. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,   Peter,  rich  young  ruler. 

Conclusion:  God  Himself  instituted  the  relationship  between  husband  and 
wife,  and  those  joined  together  by  the  ordinance  of  God  are  not  to  be 
put  asunder  by  an  ordinance  of  man,  except  for  fornication.  Nothing  less 
than  the  almighty  grace  of  God  can  enable  a  man  taken  up  with  the 
riches  of  this  world  to  get  into  heaven.  Riches,  if  they  are  under  our 
feet,  are  stepping  stones,  but  if  upon  our  backs,  are  a  curse. 

Key  Word:      Divorce,   v.    7.      Riches,   v.    24. 

Strong  Verses:      6,    9,    14,    24,    26    (b),    29. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  16,  17.  It  is  not  implied  that  Jesus  was  not  good  (John 
8:46;  14:30),  but  that  He  would  not  be  called  "good"  by  one  who  did  not 
accept  His  deity,  but  looked  upon  Him  merely  as  a  man  (Master — "teach- 
er") and  put  himself  on  the  same  level  (v.  20).  As  God  (v.  17)  He  is  the 
expression  of  all  good. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY 

Contents:  Parables  of  laborers  in  the  vineyard.  Jesus'  death  and  resurrec- 
tion again  foretold.  Ambitious  requests  of  James  and  John.  Healing 
of  the  two  blind  men. 

Characters:      Jesus,    wife   of   Zebedee,    James,    John,    two   blind   men. 

Conclusion:  One  hour's  service  in  the  spirit  of  humble  trust  will  be  as  abun- 
dantly rewarded  as  12  hours  of  legal  service  where  reward  is  sought  as  a 
matter  of  debt.  The  way  to  true  greatness  is  to  be  humble  and  service- 
able with  an  eye  continually  to  the  great  pattern  servant,  Jesus,  who  came 


MATTHEW  Page  Thirteen 

into  the  world  not  to  be  waited  upon  but  to  wait  upon  others  and  give 
His  life  a  ransom. 

Key  Word:      Service,  vv.  1,  27. 

Strong  Verses:      16,   26,   27. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  18,  19.  The  death  of  Jesus  Christ  was  not,  as  some  say, 
the  result  of  His  being  the  victim  of  circumstances  too  strong  for  Him, 
but  was  the  result  of  His  own  program.  He  came  (v.  28)  to  give  His 
life  a  ransom.  He  did  not  die  as  a  martyr,  but  as  a  Victor.  He  never 
foretold  His  death  without  adding  that  He  would  be  resurrected. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-ONE 

Contents:  The  triumphant  entry.  Jesus'  second  purification  of  the  temple. 
Barren  fig  tree  cursed.  Jesus'  authority  questioned.  Parable  of  the  two 
sons  in  the  vineyard.  Parable  of  the  house-holder  demanding  fruit  from 
his  vineyard. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  John,  disciples. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  the  King-Savior  was  officially  offered  to  Israel  first.  He 
was  acclaimed  by  an  unthinking  multitude  who  thought  He  would  then 
set  up  His  earth  kingdom,  but  He  was  soon  rejected  by  official  representa- 
tives of  the  nation.  Nevertheless  His  rejection  by  His  own  people  turned 
to  the  riches  of  the  Gentiles.  The  unbelief  of  sinners  is  their  ruin. 

Key  Word:      Triumphal  entry,  vv.   9,   10.      Jesus'  authority,  v.   23. 

Strong  Verses.      13,   21,   22. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  2.  A  colt  is  a  symbol  of  peace.  In  Jesus'  second  coming 
He  will  come  upon  a  war  horse  (Rev.  19).  Cf.  v.  44.  The  flippant  atti- 
tude of  the  people  toward  Jesus  in  His  first  presentation  was  due  to  their 
conception  of  Him  as  expressed  in  v.  11.  When  He  comes  in  power,  there 
will  be  no  room  for  doubt  of  the  fact  that  He  is  both  King  and  Judge. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-TWO 

Contents:  Parable  of  the  marriage  feast.  Jesus'  answer  to  the  Herodians. 
Sadducees  and  Pharisees. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  lawyer. 

Conclusion:  The  gospel  call  bids  all  to  the  great  marriage  feast.  Some 
wickedly  reject  Christ's  invitations.  Some  think  to  intrude  in  the  rags 
of  their  hypocrisy  (See  Rom.  3:22)  but  the  humble  gladly  accept  and 
are  satisfied.  It  is  not  wit  and  reason  that  makes  one  acceptab/e  to  God, 
but  humble  acceptance  of  His  call  and  partaking  of  the  feast  He  has  pro- 
vided. 

Key  Word:      Unworthy  guests,  vv.   8,   12,   18. 

Strong  Verses:      9,21,37,38,39. 

Striking  Facts:  The  invitation  to  the  marriage  feast  first  extended  to  Israel 
(v.  7),  was  greeted  with  violence  and  the  King  fulfilled  the  latter  part 
of  the  verse  in  A.  D.  70.  The  world-wide  call  then  went  forth  (Matt. 
28:16-20;  v.  9)  to  "as  many  as  would  receive"  (John  1:12).  The  man 
without  a  wedding  garment  pictures  those  who  think  to  be  accepted  in  their 
own  righteousness  rather  than  the  righteousness  of  Jesus  Christ  Rom 
10:1-3;  Isa.  64:6;  Phil.  3:9. 

CHAPTER  TWTENTY-THREE 

Contents:  Jesus  denounces  woes  upon  the  Pharisees  for  their  hypocrisy.  His 
lament  over  Jerusalem. 

Characters:      Jesus. 

Conclusion:  Nothing  is  more  displeasing  to  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  than  hyproc- 
risy,  dissimulation,  stage-playing  in  religion.  Woe  be  to  all  such  for  their 
religion  is  vain  and  their  ruin  will  be  terrible.  It  is  wholly  owing  to  the 
wicked  will  of  sinners  that  they  are  not  gathered  by  His  love  under  His 
protecting  wing — they  "will  not  come  to  Him  that  they  might  have  life." 

Key  Word:      Hypocrites,   v.    13. 

Strong  Verses:      8,   11,   12,   37,  39. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  39.  There  are  three  "untils"  to  be  accomplished  before 
Israel  can  have  full  blessing.  1.  v.  39.  2.  Luke  21:  24.  Gentile  world 
power  must  run  its  course — Dan.  2:34-35.  3.  Rom.  11:25-27.  The 
elect  of  the  Gentiles  must  be  brought  in. 


Page  Fourteen  MATTHEW 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-FOUR 

Contents:  Destruction  of  the  temple  foretold.  The  course  of  the  present  age 
outlined;  its  culmination  in  the  great  tribulation  and  followed  by  the  re- 
turn of  Christ  in  power  and  glory.  Parable  of  the  fig  tree  and  exhortation 
to  watchfulness. 

Characters:      Jesus. 

Conclusion:  The  course  of  the  present  age  is  to  be  marked  by  wars,  famines, 
pestilences,  persecutions,  false  Christs,  and  religious  systems,  increasing  in 
intensity  as  the  age  nears  its  end,  and  culminating  in  tribulation  such  as 
the  world  has  never  seen,  nor  ever  shall  see  again.  Jesus  Christ  shall 
suddenly,  unexpectedly  and  gloriously  appear,  coming  in  the  clouds  of 
heaven  with  His  hosts.  Blessed  are  they  who  cherish  the  "blessed  hope" 
(Tit.  2:13)  and  live  in  hourly  expectation  of  His  coming. 

Key  Word:      End  of  Age,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      7,  21,  27,  35,  37,  44. 

Striking  Facts:  The  signs  of  the  near  return  of  Jesus  are  national  (v.  6), 
religious  (v.  11),  missionary  (v.  14),  and  Jewish  (v.  32).  (Pig  tree  a 
type  of  Israel.) 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-FIVE 

Contents:  Parables  of  the  wise  and  foolish  virgins.  Testing  of  the  servants 
in  the  Lord's  absence.  Future  testing  of  the  Gentile  nations  at  the  Lord's 
return. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  disciples. 

Conclusion:  The  hour  of  our  Lord's  second  coming  is  very  uncertain  which 
is  good  reason  why  we  should  live  not  only  in  a  state  of  habitual  prepara- 
tion but  actual  diligence  in  present  service  for  Him,  and  engaged  in  works 
of  charity  for  men.  Those  who  have  so  lived  will  in  that  day  receive  the 
grandest  degree  in  the  universe,  the  "well-done"  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Key  Word:      Christ's  return,  vv.  6,  19,  31. 

Strong  Verses:      13,  29,  31,  32,  34,  40. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  1-13.  The  strict  application  is  Jewish  and  refers  to  the 
"Revelation"  when  Christ  comes  "with  His  saints"  to  set  up  His  Kingdom 
and  punish  the  nations.  Virgins  are  attendants  of  a  bride.  "Bridegroom" 
in  some  translations  is  "bride  and  groom"  and  "marriage"  in  v.  10  is 
"marriage-feast."  The  virgins  are  professing  Jewish  disciples  (Rev.  14:4; 
Psa.  45:14).  In  the  midst  of  the  great  Tribulation,  the  mid-night  cry  will 
be  raised.  As  applied  to  Christians  the  parable  is  a  warning  of  the  "Rap- 
ture" which  precedes  the  "Revelation."  The  lamp  is  a  type  of  God's  Word 
and  the  oil  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  The  two  classes  distinguish  between  Pos- 
sessors of  Christianity  and  Professors  of  it. 

CHAPTER    TWENTY-SIX 

Contents:  Authorities  plot  Christ's  death.  Jesus  annointed  by  Mary  of 
Bethany.  Judas  sells  Jesus.  The  last  Passover.  Lord's  supper  insti- 
tuted. Gethsemane  experience.  Jesus  before  Caiaphas  and  Sanhedrin. 
Peter's  denial. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,   Judas,   Peter,  James,  John,   Caiaphas,   disciples. 

Conclusion:  Having  finished  His  work  as  a  Prophet,  Christ  entered  upon  His 
work  as  Priest  to  make  the  great  sacrifice  for  the  remission  of  sin.  Al- 
though wicked  hearts  laid  the  plot  and  put  it  into  execution,  they  were 
but  fulfilling  the  Scriptures  and  unknowingly  carrying  out  the  program 
for  which  Christ  came  into  the  world.  The  spotless  Passover  Lamb  who 
ALONE  must  settle  the  sin  question  was  prepared  for  the  slaughter,  not 
as  a  martyr,  but  as  a  ransom  for  all. 

Key  Word:      Jesus'  last  night,  vv.  1,  18. 

Strong  Verses:      28,  41,  39. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  26.  This  verse  marks  the  end  of  the  Mosaic  dispensation. 
The  true  Paschal  Lamb  was  Christ,  and  He  was  now  ready  for  the  sacrifice. 
Yet  at  the  very  hour  He  was  offered  unbelieving  Jews  were  sacrificing  use- 
less blood  in  the  temple.  The  Lord's  supper  which  takes  the  place  of  the 
O.  T.  ceremonies  is  a  memorial  of  Christ  as  a  gift  and  sacrifice,  a  parable 
of  the  true  nature  of  Christianity — Christ  becoming  a  part  of  us,  and  a 
prophecy  of  His  future  coming  and  glory. 


MATTHEW  Page  Fifteen 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-SEVEN 

Contents:  Jesus  delivered  to  Pilate.  Judas'  remorse.  Barabbas  released  in 
Jesus'  place.  The  crucifixion  of  Christ.  The  entombment  and  sealing  of 
the  tomb. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Pilate,  Judas,  Jeremiah,  Simon,  3  Marys  (v.  56), 
Elijah,  Joseph,  two  malefactors. 

Conclusion:  See  Isa.  53:3-6,  9,  10.  (It  is  utter  ruin  of  language  to  try  to 
draw  a  human  conclusion  to  the  chapter.  Rather  let  the  Scriptures  them- 
selves interpret  it.) 

Key  Word:      Crucifixion,  vv.  1,  35. 

Strong  Verses:      22,  54   (b),  35. 

Striking  Facts:  Calvary's  cross  was  the  main  point  in  the  coming  of  Jesus  into 
the  world.  His  death  was  the  object  of  His  incarnation.  He  was  the 
"Lamb  of  God  who  beareth  away  the  sin  of  the  world."  No  man  took  His 
life  from  Him  (John  10:17-18).  He  whose  blood  was  more  precious  than 
all  human  blood  together  (v.  54-b)  gave  His  life  (Matt.  28:26).  The  glory 
of  heaven  is  not  Jesus  as  a  great  ethical  teacher,  but  Jesus,  the  "slain 
lamb."  (Rev.  5:6-12;  7:10;  21:23.) 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-EIGHT 

Contents:      Resurrection  of  Jesus.      Jesus  in  Galilee  and  the  great  commission. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,   2  Marys,  disciples. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ  is  declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power,  by 
His  resurrection  from  the  dead  (v.  18;  Rom.  1:4)  and  the  acceptance  by 
the  Father  of  His  atoning  work  on  the  cross  is  thereby  assured  for  all  who 
will  receive  it.  Those  who  would  be  kept  in  the  consciousness  of  His 
presence  (v.  20)  must  attend  to  that  which  He  has  appointed — the  carry- 
ing of  the  message  of  salvation  to  all  men. 

Key  Word:      Resurrection,  v.  6. 

Strong  Verses:      6,   18,  19,  20. 

Striking  Facts:  The  resurrection  is  the  centre  of  all  miraculous  narratives — 
the  sun  which  keeps  them  in  their  orbit.  It  is  the  Waterloo  of  infidelity. 
If  He  did  not  literally  rise  from  the  grave,  not  only  is  His  veracity  at  stake, 
but  (1  Cor.  15)  preaching  is  vain  (v.  14);  faith  is  vain  (vv.  14,  17);  the 
witness  of  the  disciples  is  false  (v.  15);  we  are  yet  in  our  sins  (v.  17); 
the  dead  are  perished  (v.  18),  and  our  state  is  most  miserable  (v  19)  — 
BUT — "HE  IS  RISEN." 


Page  Sixteen  GOSPEL  OF  MARK 

MARK 


Key  Thought:              Number  of 

Servant  of  Man                           16 

Chapters  : 

Key  Verse:              Christ  seen  as: 

10:45           Servant  of  Jehovah 

Writer  of  the  Book: 

Mark  (called  John) 

Date: 

A.  D.    57-63 

Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Jesus      is      the      Mighty 
Worker,  who  came,  not 
to    be    ministered    unto, 
but  to  minister. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Ministry  of  John  the  Baptist.  Baptism  and  temptation  of  Jesus 
and  His  first  Galilean  ministry.  Demons  cast  out,  sickness  healed,  leprosy 
cured. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  John  the  Baptist,  Satan,  Simon,  James, 
man  with  demons,  Simon's  mother-in-law,  leper. 

Conclusion:  The  deity  of  Jesus  Christ  is  fully  attested  by  the  seal  of  the 
Father  from  heaven,  His  victory  over  Satan,  His  authority  to  call  men,  and 
His  power  over  evil  spirits  and  all  manner  of  diseases. 

Key  Word:      First   ministry,   vv.    1,   14,   21,   32. 

Strong  Verses:      11,  17. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  35.  There  is  no  conflict  between  the  fact  of  the  deity  of 
Christ  and  His  dependence  upon  the  Father  in  prayer.  His  prayer  life 
on  earth  was  the  manifestation  of  His  perfect  communion  with  the  Father 
before  He  came  into  the  world.  The  fact  that  Jesus  never  asked  anyone  to 
pray  FOR  Him,  is  a  further  proof  of  His  deity.  He  was  superior  to  all 
human  intercession. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Healing  of  the  palsied  man.  Call  of  Matthew.  Parable  of  the 
cloth  and  bottles.  Jesus,  Lord  of  the  Sabbath. 

Characters:      Jesus,  Paralytic,  Matthew,  David,  Alphaeus. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ  was  sent  to  a  sinful  world  for  the  healing  and  saving 
of  such  as  will  acknowledge  their  need  of  salvation  and  put  their  trust  in 
Him.  He  has  authority  to  forgive  sin,  which  strikes  at  the  root  of  diseases 
and  either  cures  or  alters  their  property.  True  faith  in  Him  will  overcome 
all  obstacles  and  bring  deliverance. 

Key  Word:      Power  of  Christ,  vv.   10,   28. 

Strong  Verses:      10    (a),    17,    27,   28. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  7.  (Cf.  John  10:33.)  Jesus  was  logically  either  a  blas- 
phemer or  "God  manifest  in  the  flesh."  The  miracle  He  performed  im- 
mediately proved  that  it  was  not  He  who  was  the  blasphemer,  but  His 
accusers. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  Jesus  heals  a  withered  hand  on  the  Sabbath.  Multitudes  healed. 
The  twelve  chosen.  The  unpardonable  sin. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Satan,  disciples,  man  with  the  withered  hand, 
Mary,  Jesus'  brothers. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  are  bound  by  disease  and  evil  spirits  are  the  special 
object  of  Jesus'  compassion  and  may  find  complete  deliverance  in  Him,  do 
they  but  stretch  out  the  hand  of  faith  toward  Him.  Those  are  obstinate 
indeed  in  their  unbelief,  who  set  themselves  against  being  convinced  of  the 
power  of  Christ  by  trying  to  explain  it  away,  or  attributing  it  to  the  devil. 
All  such  are  sinning  against  their  last  remedy. 

Key  Word:      Healing   (vv.   2,  10),  Calling   (v.  13). 

Strong  Verses:      28,   29,   35. 

Striking  Facts:  Blaspheming  the  Holy  Ghost  is  attributing  to  the  devil  the 
work  which  Christ  did  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Many  of  those 


MARK  Page  Seventeen 

who  reviled  Christ  on  the  cross  found  mercy  and  Christ  Himself  prayed 
for  them,  but  to  blaspheme  the  Holy  Ghost  is  unpardonable. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Parable  of  the  sower.  Parable  of  the  candle.  Parable  of  the 
mustard  seed.  Jesus  stills  the  storm. 

Characters:      Jesus,    Satan,    disciples. 

Conclusion:  The  present  age  is  a  time  for  missions  and  testimony  to  the 
salvation  offered  in  the  Word  of  God.  The  message  will  be  variously  re- 
ceived because  of  Satanic  opposition,  but  many  will  prove  good  soil  for 
the  Divine  seed  and  will  bring  forth  fruit  by  the  power  of  God. 

Key  Word:      Kingdom  parables,  vv.   2,   11,   26,   30. 

Strong  Verses:      24,  25. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  38,  39.  He  who  slept  the  sleep  of  human  exhaustion  arises 
and  rebukes  the  elements.  What  manner  of  man  is  this?  It  is  the  God- 
man — truly  man,  but  God  manifest  in  the  flesh. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  The  maniac  of  Gadara.  Woman  with  issue  of  blood  healed.  Daugh- 
ter of  Jairus  raised  from  the  dead. 

Characters:      Jesus,  disciples,  demoniac,  sick  woman,  Jairus,  his  daughter. 

Conclusion:  The  power  of  Christ  over  evil  spirits,  over  incurable  physical  ail- 
ments, and  over  death  itself,  demonstrates  to  a  conclusion  His  deity  and 
puts  honor  upon  the  simple  faith  that  comes  to  Him.  Those  who  by  faith 
are  healed  of  Him,  may  go  in  peace  and  should  go  to  witness  of  His  power 
and  grace. 

Key  Word:      Powerful  Christ,  vv.   19,   29,  42. 

Strong  Verses:      19,   34,   36    (b). 

Striking  Facts:  v.  7.  Even  devils  believe  in  the  deity  of  Christ  and  tremble 
before  Him.  Demons  know  that  by  His  Word  they  will  ultimately  be  sent 
to  chains  of  eternal  darkness. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:  The  twelve  sent  out  to  preach.  Murder  of  John  the  Baptist.  The 
5000  fed.  Jesus  walks  on  the  sea.  Jesus  heals  many  at  Gennesaret. 

Characters:  Jesus,  disciples,  Herod,  Herodias,  her  daughter,  John  the  Baptist, 
Mary,  Joses,  Juda,  Simon,  Elias. 

Conclusion:  The  divine  authority  of  Christ  is  ratified  by  the  divine  wisdom 
which  He  displayed  in  all  His  teaching  and  the  divine  power  which  He 
manifested  in  imparting  power  to  others  for  service,  in  overcoming  all 
laws  of  nature  for  the  relief  of  men  and  in  dispelling  by  His  mere  Word 
or  touch  all  manner  of  diseases. 

Key  WTord:      Mighty  works,  v.   2. 

Strong  Verses :      50    ( b ) . 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  3,  7,  41,  48.  Jesus  the  carpenter  was  the  Controller  of 
the  universe.  Jesus  the  son  of  Mary  was  Jesus  the  Son  of  God. 

CHAPTER  SEVEN 

Contents:  Jesus  rebukes  Pharisees.  Healing  of  daughter  of  Syrophenician 
woman  and  a  deaf  and  dumb  man. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Pharisees,  scribes,  disciples,  Syrophenician  woman,  her 
daughter,  deaf  man,  Isaiah. 

Conclusion:  It  is  worshipping  God  in  vain  to  rest  in  the  outside  of  religious 
exercises  when  the  heart  is  not  right  with  God.  Our  first  care  should  be 
the  washing  of  the  heart  from  wickedness  which  makes  us  odious  to  God, 
rather  than  ceremonial  washing.  Christ  never  puts  any  away  from  Him 
who  fall  at  His  feet  in  humble  faith,  and  give  themselves  up  to  be  ruled  by 
Him. 

Key  Word:      Traditionalism   (v.  3),  Healing  (26,  27). 

Strong  Verses:      37   (b). 

Striking  Facts:  v.  37.  This  verse  shows  what  the  whole  world  will  say 
when  Christ's  mediation  is  completed  and  He  comes  to  receive  His  own. 

CHAPTER  EIGHT 

Contents:  4000  fed.  Meaning  of  leaven  explained.  Blind  man  outside  Beth- 
saida  healed.  Peter's  confession  of  faith.  The  value  of  a  soul. 


Page  Eighteen  MARK 

Characters:      Jesus,    Peter,    disciples,   Satan,   blind   man,   Pharisees. 

Conclusion:  The  bounty  of  Christ  is  inexhaustible  and  He  will  supply  the 
needs  of  the  body  if  with  it  we  glorify  Him.  It  is  provoking  to  Him  when 
we  are  overwhelmed  with  present  distrust,  because  we  so  soon  forget  what 
we  have  seen  of  His  goodness  in  supplying  our  needs  in  days  past. 

Key  Word:      Our  Provider,  vv.  8,  17,  18. 

Strong  Verses:      29,   34,    36,   38. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  31.  The  death  of  Jesus  was  clearly  not  one  of  defeat,  but 
of  victory.  He  was  not  a  martyr  but  a  divinely  appointed  sacrifice.  "Christ 
that  died"  would  make  no  gospel  if  we  could  not  add  "And  is  risen  again." 
His  resurrection  proves  that  He  was  "the  Christ"  (v.  29)  and  that  His 
atoning  work  is  accepted  of  God  and  sufficient  for  all  who  believe. 

CHAPTER  NINE 

Contents:  The  transfiguration.  The  powerless  disciples  and  the  mighty  Christ 
casting  out  a  demon.  The  dispute  over  who  should  be  greatest.  Jesus' 
rebuke  of  sectarianism.  Solemn  warning  of  hell. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Moses,  Elijah,  Peter,  James,  John,  disciples,  a 
father,  his  son. 

Conclusion:  Since  God  has  from  the  open  heavens  owned  Jesus  Christ  as  His 
beloved  Son,  we  should  give  ourselves  to  be  ruled  by  His  Word,  to  be 
yielded  to  the  mighty  working  of  His  power  in  us  and  through  us  and  to 
resemble  Him  in  the  spirit  of  humble  service  to  men. 

Key  Word:      Transfiguration   (v.  2),  Mighty  Christ   (v.  19). 

Strong  Verses:      7,  23,  35  (b),  41,  42,  43,  50. 

Striking  Facts:  The  transfiguration  fulfills  the  promise  of  Jesus  to  reveal 
Himself  in  His  coming  kingdom  (v.  1) ;  teaches  us  that  He  was  exalted  far 
above  Moses  (law)  and  Elijah  (prophets)  (v.  4);  was  intended  to  raise 
the  hopes  of  the  disciples  in  view  of  His  coming  death  (v.  30),  and  warns 
us  against  seeking  to  any  other  than  the  Son  of  God  (v.  7). 

CHAPTER  TEN 

Contents:  Jesus'  law  of  divorce.  The  blessing  of  little  children.  The  rich 
young  ruler.  The  desire  of  James  and  John  to  be  first.  Bartimeus  re- 
ceives his  sight. 

Characters:  Jesus,  James,  John,  Peter,  disciples,  rich  young  ruler,  Bartimeus, 
Moses,  Pharisees. 

Conclusion:  Marriage  is  a  divine  institution  and  therefore  to  be  religiously 
observed.  The  bond  which  God  has  tied  is  not  to  be  lightly  untied. 

The  kingdom  of  God  can  be  received  into  the  heart  only  with  humble 
resignation  like  that  of  a  little  child,  to  Jesus.  Those  who  put  their  affec- 
tions in  the  wealth  of  the  world  cannot  put  a  right  value  on  Christ  and 
His  grace  and  will  therefore  come  short  of  His  kingdom.  Those  who  hav- 
ing received  Christ,  would  be  greatly  honored  hereafter  and  honorable 
now,  are  those  who  are  the  most  useful  to  men. 

KeyWord:      Divorce  (v.  2),  Riches  (v.  24),  Greatness  (v.  44). 

Strong  Verses:      9,  14  (b),  15,  25,  29,  30,  31,  44,  45. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  18.  Jesus'  object  was  not  to  infer  that  He  was  not  good, 
for  the  Scriptures  plainly  teach  His  goodness,  above  all  men,  but  to  raise 
the  man's  view  of  His  person.  The  ruler  had  called  Him  "Master"  (teach- 
er) and  looked  upon  Him  merely  as  a  great  man,  on  the  same  plane  with 
himself  (v.  20).  Jesus  was  God,  but  until  His  divinity  was  acknowledged 
He  could  not  accept  the  title  "good." 

CHAPTER  ELEVEN 

Contents:  Official  presentation  of  Jesus  as  King.  The  barren  fig  tree.  Purify- 
ing of  the  temple.  The  prayer  of  faith.  Jesus'  authority  questioned. 

Characters:      Jesus,    Peter,    disciples,    John    the    Baptist,    David. 

Conclusion:  The  Lord  Jesus,  in  accordance  with  the  Scriptures,  presented 
Himself  as  King-Savior  at  Jerusalem  where  He  displayed  His  Kingly 
authority  by  cleansing  the  temple.  He  came  seeking  fruit  of  Israel,  and 
gave  the  sign  of  their  doom  knowing  His  coming  rejection  by  them. 

Key  Word:      Triumphal  entry,  v.  9. 

Strong  Verses:      22,   23,   24,   25. 


MARK  Page  Nineteen 

CHAPTER  TWELVE 

Contents:  Parable  of  householder  demanding  fruit  from  his  vineyards.  The 
tribute  question.  Jesus  answers  the  Sadducees.  The  great  commandments. 
The  widow's  mite. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Caesar,  David,  widow,  disciples,  Sadducees, 
Herodians,  Pharisees,  Moses,  Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob. 

Conclusion:  Because  Christ,  God's  only  Son,  made  His  demands  with  more 
authority  than  any  prophet  had  done,  men  were  enraged  against  Him  and 
determined  by  some  method  to  entangle  Him  and  put  Him  to  death.  To 
the  last  He  confounded  the  wise  of  the  world  with  His  wisdom  and  set 
the  seal  of  His  favor  upon  the  humble,  trusting  worshipper. 

Key  Word:      Rejected   Lord,   vv.    6,    10,    13. 

Strong  Verses:      10,    17,    30,    31. 

Striking  Facts:  Jesus  knew  there  could  be  no  obstruction  to  His  exaltation. 
He  is  the  foundation  stone  of  the  Church,  will  be  the  smiting  stone  de- 
stroying the  Gentile  world  powers  at  His  coming  and  will  yet  be  set  as 
heaven's  King — the  headstone  of  the  corner. 

CHAPTER  THIRTEEN 

Contents:  The  course  of  the  present  age — its  culmination  in  the  great  tribu- 
lation and  the  Second  coming  of  Christ.  Parable  of  the  fig  tree. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,   Daniel,   Peter,  James,   John,  Andrew. 

Conclusion:  The  end  of  the  age  will  be  marked  by  religious  apostasy  (v.  6), 
wars  and  rumors  of  wars  (v.  7),  upheavals  among  kingdoms  (v.  8),  earth- 
quakes, famines,  and  trouble  (v.  8),  the  publishing  of  the  gospel  in  all 
nations  (v.  10),  disregard  of  law  (v.  12),  and  manifestations  of  hatred 
toward  the  preachers  of  the  gospel  (v.  13).  The  age  will  culminate  in  a 
time  of  trouble  such  as  the  world  has  never  known  (v.  19),  and  will  end  in 
the  glorious  appearing  of  the  Christ  in  the  clouds  (v.  26).  Let  it  be  our 
care  that  whenever  He  will  come  He  may  find  us  at  our  duty,  ready  to 
meet  Him. 

Key  Word:      Signs  of  the  times,  vv.  4,  29. 

Strong   Verses:      13,    26,    27,    31,    33,    35,    36. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  28-30.  The  fig  tree  is  a  type  of  Israel.  When  Israel 
again  starts  to  bud  as  a  nation,  after  hundreds  of  years  in  dispersion, 
we  may  be  sure  Christ's  coming  is  near.  The  word  "generation"  in  v.  30 
is  literally  "race."  The  nation  of  Israel  has  a  promise  here  that  it  will 
be  preserved  until  these  things  are  fulfilled.  Israel  is  even  now  budding — 
His  coming  is  therefore  "even  at  the  doors." 

CHAPTER  FOURTEEN 

Contents:  The  plot  against  Jesus.  Jesus  annointed  by  Mary.  The  last 
Passover.  The  Lord's  supper  instituted.  The  Gethsemane  experience. 
Peter's  denial.  Jesus  delivered  to  the  authorities. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Mary,  Judas,  Peter,  James,  John,  disciples,  Caiaphas, 
Chief  Priest,  maid. 

Conclusion:  Our  Lord  Jesus,  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  the  violent  by  His 
own  familiar  friend  and  led  away  by  wicked  hands  to  His  death,  conse- 
crated Himself  to  that  purpose,  for  which  He  came  into  the  world — the 
redemption  of  mankind  by  the  blood  of  the  cross.  A  great  part  of  the 
load  of  sorrow  He  bore  was  that  occasioned  by  His  betrayal  and  denial  by 
those  close  to  Him. 

Key  WTord:      Jesus'   last   night. 

Strong  Verses:      24,   36,   38. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  32-35.  What  "hour"  and  "cup"  was  He  seeking  to 
be  delivered  from?  Does  He  pray  for  deliverance  from  the  cross — the  very 
purpose  for  which  He  had  come  into  the  world?  (John  12:27.)  Heb.  5:7 
states  that  His  prayer  was  heard  and  answered.  Luke  22:44.  Mark 
14:34  shows  that  Satan  was  attempting  to  kill  Him  before  He  could  ac- 
complish His  purpose  and  Luke  22:43  gives  the  answer.  He  was  saved 
from  death  in  Gethsemane.  When  the  hour  of  the  cross  comes,  He  wants 
no  angels  or  defenders  and  rebukes  Peter  for  trying  to  defeat  God's  plan. 
Matt.  26:52,  53,  56. 


Page  Twenty  MARK 

CHAPTER  FIFTEEN 

Contents:      Jesus    before    Pilate.      Barabbas    set   free    instead    of    Christ.     The 

crucifixion. 
Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Pilate,  Simon,  Barabbas,  Centurion,  Joseph,  2  thieves, 

Mary  Magdalene,  Mary  the  mother  of  Joses. 
Conclusion:      1  Pet.  2:24;  Isa.  53:5,  9,  10.      (Only  God's  own  Word  can  form 

the  conclusion  of  this  scene.) 
Key  Word:      Crucifixion,  v.  24. 
Strong  Verses:      39. 
Striking   Facts:      v.    38.      Why    was    the    veil    rent    from    the    top    down?      It 

was   rent   from   heaven,   not  earth.      Christ   having   made   atonement   and 

glorified  God,   the  way  into   the  holy  of  holies  was  now   made   manifest. 

Heb.   9:8,   24;    10:19-22. 

CHAPTER   SIXTEEN 

Contents:      Resurrection  and  ascension  of  Jesus. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Mary  Magdalene,  Peter,  disciples,  Mary  the  mother 
of  James  and  Joses,  young  man  (an  angel). 

Conclusion:  Jesus  who  was  crucified  in  weakness,  lives  in  power  and  appears 
in  the  midst  of  the  praises  of  the  heavenly  host  as  the  "Lamb  that  was 
slain"  (Rev.  5:6).  Let  the  message  be  declared  to  all  persons  in  every 
land  that  they  might  be  saved  from  the  guilt  and  power  of  sin  and  pre- 
pared to  meet  Him  at  His  coming. 

Key  Word:      Resurrection,  v.    16. 

Strong  Verses:      6,   15,   16. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  7.  "And  Peter."  Peter  denied  Jesus  just  before  He  died. 
Jesus  owned  Peter  just  after  His  resurrection.  Peter's  grasp  of  Christ 
relaxed.  Christ's  grasp  of  Peter  was  still  tight.  Peter  lost  consciousness 
of  Jesus'  love  but  that  did  not  change  Jesus.  "Nothing  shall  be  able  to 
separate  you  from  the  love  of  God  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus." 


GOSPEL  OF  LUKE  Page  Twenty-One 

LUKE 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Son  of  Man  24  19:10  Perfect  Son  of  Man 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Jesus  is  the  Ideal  Man, 
the    human-divine    One, 

Luke  A.  D.    63-68  who    came    to    seek   and 

to  save  that  which  was 
lost. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Birth  of  John  the  Baptist  foretold.  Virgin  birth  of  Jesus  foretold. 
Mary's  visit  to  Elizabeth.  Mary's  praise  because  of  Jehovah's  favor. 
Birth  of  John  the  Baptist. 

Characters:  Holy  Spirit,  Luke,  Theophilus,  Herod,  Zeeharias,  Elizabeth,  Gab- 
riel, Elias,  Joseph,  Mary,  Abraham,  John. 

Conclusion:  John,  the  forerunner  of  Jesus,  came  to  earth  by  divine  appoint- 
ment and  arrangement.  Jesus,  the  Christ  was  born  of  a  virgin,  conceived 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  was  therefore  the  Son  of  God  to  whom  was  prom- 
ised the  throne  of  His  father,  David. 

Key  Word:      John  and  Jesus,  vv.  31,  60. 

Strong  Verses:      31,  32,  35,  37,  78,  79. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  31-32.  The  name  "Jesus"  (Savior)  links  Him  to  human- 
ity and  suggests  His  career  as  Prophet.  He  is  conspicuous  as  "Jesus"  up 
to  His  resurrection.  "Christ"  (annointed  One)  links  Him  to  Prophecy 
which  He  came  to  fulfill  and  suggests  His  work  as  Priest  atoning  for 
sin.  "Lord"  (the  Jehovah  name  applied  to  Him)  links  Him  with  Deity  and 
suggests  His  Kingship.  He  is  coming  again  to  rule. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Birth  of  Jesus.  His  adoration  by  the  shepherds.  Adoration  and 
prophecy  of  Simon  and  Anna.  Return  to  Nazareth.  Jesus  and  His 
parents  at  the  Passover. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Caesar,  Augustus,  Cyrenius,  Joseph,  Mary,  Moses,  Simeon, 
Anna. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  the  Christ,  in  the  fullness  of  time  was  brought  into  the 
world  according  to  divine  counsels.  Although  born  amid  the  meanest  cir- 
cumstances, His  humiliation  was  attended  by  discoveries  of  His  glory  and 
His  coming  was  announced  as  glad  tidings  to  all  people.  From  His  child- 
hood days  He  showed  forth  some  of  the  rays  of  His  glory  in  the  divine 
wisdom  which  He  manifested. 

Key  Word:      Glad  Tidings,  v.   10. 

Strong  Verses:      10,  49. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  52.  In  the  perfections  of  His  divine  nature  there  could  be 
no  increase.  But  as  Son  of  Man,  in  His  human  nature,  His  body  increased 
and  He  grew  in  all  the  endowments  of  a  human  soul.  Christ  accommo- 
dated Himself  as  Son  of  God,  to  His  state  of  humiliation  in  human  flesh. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:      Ministry  of  John  the  Baptist.      Baptism   of  Jesus.      Genealogy  of 

Mary. 
Characters:      Holy  Spirit,  God,  John  Baptist,  Tiberius  Caesar,  Pontius  Pilate, 

Herod,  Philip,  Annas,  Caiaphas,  Zacharias,  Abraham. 
Conclusion:      Way  must  be  made  for  the  reception  of  Christ  by  the  removing  of 

all  obstructions  that  stand  in  the  way  of  Him  and  of  His  grace.     The 

seal  of  His  divine  authority  has  been  given  from  the  opened  heavens;   let 

us  therefore  prepare  to  bid  His  salvation  welcome. 
Key  Word:      Baptism,   vv.    16,    21. 
Strong  Verses:      16. 


Page  Twenty-Two  LUKE 

Striking  Facts:  v.  23.  Matthew  gives  Joseph's  genealogy — Luke  gives 
Mary's.  Luke  does  not  say  Heli  "begat"  Joseph.  Joseph  was  his  son-in- 
law.  If  Jesus  was  the  son  of  Joseph,  as  some  claim,  He  is  forever  barred 
from  the  throne,  being  a  descendant  of  Coniah  who  was  cursed,  that  none 
of  his  line  might  have  the  throne.  Jesus  was  accordingly  conceived  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  in  Mary,  Mary's  father  being  a  descendant  of  David  through 
another  line. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Temptation  of  Jesus.  Jesus  in  the  synagogue  at  Nazareth.  Cast- 
ing of  demons  out  of  man  at  Capernaum.  Healing  of  Peter's  wife's  mother 
and  others. 

Characters:      Jesus,    Holy    Spirit,    Satan,    Joseph,    Elias,    Eliseus,    Naaman. 

Conclusion:  Our  Savior  was  victorious  over  Satan  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  the  use  of  the  divine  Word  as  His  sword  and  those  are  well 
armed  who  are  thus  equipped.  The  words  of  Christ's  mouth  were  attended 
with  a  power  which  pricked  the  consciences  of  men,  dispersed  evil  spirits 
and  drove  away  disease. 

Key  Word:      Temptation,  v.  2.     Fame,  vv.   14,  32,   36,   37,  40. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  8,   12. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  17-19.  It  is  interesting  to  notice  that  Jesus  stopped  His 
quotation  in  the  middle  of  a  passage  from  Isaiah.  He  stopped  with  "the 
acceptable  year  of  the  Lord" — which  is  His  first  advent,  but  He  knew  His 
coming  rejection.  "The  day  of  vengeance  of  our  God"  has  to  do  with  His 
second  advent,  and  He  therefore  omitted  it  at  the  time. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  Miraculous  draught  of  fishes.  Healing  of  a  leper  and  a  paralytic. 
Call  of  Matthew.  The  scribes  and  Pharisees  answered.  Parables  of  the 
garment  and  bottles. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Simon,  James,  John,  leper,  Moses,  Pharisees,  scribes, 
Levi,  John  the  Baptist. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ  has  divine  power  to  command  the  very  fishes  of  the 
sea;  to  drive  out  incurable  disease  by  His  Word;  to  separate  sinners  from 
the  penalty  of  their  sins,  and  authority  to  call  whom  He  will.  Those  will 
speed  well  indeed  who  will  take  Him  at  His  word  and  trust  to  His  ability 
and  efficiency  whatever  their  case. 

Key  Word:      Faith  in  Christ,  vv.  5,  12,  20,  28. 

Strong  Verses:      24    (a),  32. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  21.  The  doctrine  that  Jesus  Christ  has  power  to  forgive 
sin  has  been  fully  attested,  proving  that  He  is  God.  He  appears  to  be 
so  by  what  He  does  in  this  chapter  alone,  and  human  experience  through, 
the  centuries  witnesses  to  His  deity.  Those  who  charge  Him  with 
blasphemy  are  themselves  proven  to  be  blasphemers. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:  Jesus  and  the  Sabbath.  Healing  of  a  withered  hand.  Choosing 
of  the  twelve.  Sermon  on  the  Mount.  Parable  of  the  house  built  on  a 
rock. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  disciples,  Pharisees,  David,  man  with  withered  hand. 

Conclusion:  Works  of  necessity  are  allowable  on  the  Sabbath  and  above  all 
it  is  to  be  spent  in  the  service  of  and  to  the  honor  of  Him  who  is  Lord  of 
the  Sabbath,  whose  good  works  we  are  to  perform. 

The  blessings  of  Christ  are  covenanted  to  suffering  saints  who  live 
by  the  precepts  of  His  gospel,  enduring  hardship  for  His  sake,  in  hope  of 
the  glory  of  heaven  which  will  abundantly  countervail  all  hardships.  Woe 
to  those  who  rest  upon  a  false  foundation,  trusting  in  the  riches  of  this 
world  and  holding  Christ  and  His  people  in  contempt. 

Key  Word:      Lord  of  Sabbath,  v.  5.      Sermon  on  Mount,  vv.  12,  20. 

Strong  Verses:      5,  20,   21,  22,  23,  27,  28,  31,  35,  37,   38,  41,  45,  46. 

Striking  Facts:  Jesus  as  a  human  being  in  perfect  subjection  to  the  Father 
walked  in  constant  communion  with  Him  through  prayer.  In  those  days 
when  His  enemies  were  filled  with  madness  against  Him,  He  gave  much 
time  to  prayer.  If  He,  the  Son  of  God,  needed  to  pray,  how  much  more 
business  should  we  have  at  the  throne  of  grace? 


LUKE  Page  Twenty-Three 

CHAPTER  SEVEN 

Contents:  Centurion's  servant  healed.  Widow's  son  raised.  Questions  from 
John  the  Baptist  in  prison  and  Jesus'  testimony.  Jesus  annointed  in  the 
Pharisee's  house.  Parable  of  the  creditor  and  two  debtors. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  centurion's  servant,  centurion,  man  who  was  raised, 
his  mother,  John  the  Baptist,  Pharisees,  sinful  woman,  Simon. 

Conclusion:  He  who  had  such  a  commanding  empire  in  the  kingdom  of  nature 
as  that  He  could  command  away  diseases  and  raise  the  dead,  is  certainly 
none  other  than  the  Messiah,  long  announced  by  the  prophets  and  em- 
powered for  the  forgiveness  of  sins. 

Key  Word:      Healer  and  For  giver,  vv.  10,  48. 

Strong  Verses:      7,  23,  47,  50. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  28.  This  is  usually  taken  to  mean  that  the  "least"  of 
those  who  preach  the  Gospel  of  the  risen  Lord,  being  employed  under  a 
more  excellent  dispensation,  are  in  a  more  honorable  office  than  John 
the  Baptist,  who  merely  announced  His  birth  and  ministry.  The  meanest 
of  those  who  follow  the  Lamb,  excel  the  greatest  of  those,  in  position, 
who  proclaim  His  advent.  Those  living  under  the  Gospel  dispensation 
have  therefore  a  greater  responsibility. 

CHAPTER  EIGHT 

Contents:  Jesus  preaching  and  healing  in  Galilee.  Parable  of  the  sower,  the 
lighted  candle.  Stilling  of  the  waves.  Demons  cast  out  of  man  of  Gadara. 
Healing  of  a  woman.  Raising  of  Jairus'  daughter. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Mary  Magdalene,  Joanna,  Susanna,  Jesus'  mother 
and  brothers,  disciples,  the  Gadarene,  Jairus,  woman  with  issue  of  blood, 
Peter,  servant  of  Jairus,  James,  John,  daughter  of  Jairus. 

Conclusion:  It  is  the  comfort  of  God's  people  that  all  power  is  given  unto 
Jesus  Christ,  their  Saviour.  He  has  under  His  check  and  control,  the  ele- 
ments of  the  universe,  the  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air  with  all  his  most 
malignant  demons,  all  human  diseases,  even  death  itself,  and  exercises 
these  powers  as  will  best  glorify  God.  He  is  rich  in  fact  who  is  rich  in 
faith  in  Christ,  having  received  the  good  seed  of  His  promises  into  their 
hearts. 

Key  Word:  Preaching  and  showing,  v.  1.  (See  v.  4,  preaching;  vv.  25,  35, 
48,  55,  shewing.) 

Strong  Verses:      11,  17,  18,  21,  39. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  28.  Demon-possessed  men  never  have  expectation  to  re- 
ceive benefit  from  Jesus  Christ,  nor  inclination  to  do  Him  service,  a  fact 
which  alone  proves  His  deity.  Demons  know  Him  to  be  the  Son  of  God 
who  is  ultimately  to  execute  vengeance.  They  express  only  dread  of  Him. 

CHAPTER  NINE 

Contents:  The  twelve  sent  forth  to  preach  and  their  return.  5000  fed. 
Peter's  confession  of  Christ.  The  transfiguration.  The  powerless  disciples 
and  the  demon  ridden  boy.  Jesus'  rebuke  of  sectarianism.  Tests  of  dis- 
cipleship. 

Characters:  Jesus,  God,  disciples,  Herod,  John  the  Baptist,  Peter,  Elijah, 
John,  James,  Moses,  man  and  his  demon  ridden  son. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ  is  God's  annointed,  owned  to  be  so  from  the  opened 
heavens  and  by  the  lives  of  witnesses  and  shown  to  be  so  in  His  sup- 
eriority over  all  forces;  His  ability  to  empower  others  for  supernatural 
work;  His  power  to  supply  both  temporal  and  spiritual  needs  and  His 
authority  over  malignant  spirits.  Wise  are  they  who  give  up  all  to  cleave 
to  Him,  for  though  they  lose  their  lives  for  His  sake,  they  shall  gain  life  to 
their  unspeakable  advantage. 

Key  Word:      The  mighty  Christ,  v.   43. 

Strong   Verses:      23,    25,    26,    35. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  22.  44.  When  men  had  a  fond  conceit  of  a  temporal 
kingdom  in  which  Christ,  the  miracle  worker,  should  reign  to  supply  all 
their  needs,  He  would  have  one  truth  "sink  down  into  their  ears" — the 
absolute  necessity  of  His  atonement.  All  His  miracles  and  the  interest 
He  had  gotten  by  them,  could  not  prevent  His  sacrifice  on  the  cross. 


Page  Twenty-Four  LUKE 

"Without  the  shedding  of  blood  there  is  no  remission  of  sin" — neverthe- 
less those  who  carried  out  the  plan  were  "wicked  men,"  inspired  with  evil 
motives. 

CHAPTER  TEN 

Contents:  The  70  sent  out.  Jesus  denounces  judgment  on  cities.  Parable 
of  the  good  Samaritan.  Martha  and  Mary  entertain  Jesus. 

Characters:      Jesus,    70    witnesses,    Satan,   lawyer,    Martha,    Mary. 

Conclusion:  Whom  Christ  sends  may  be  sure  He  will  go  along  with  them  and 
give  them  success.  His  servants  should  apply  themselves  to  their  work 
under  a  deep  concern  for  precious  souls,  looking  upon  them  with  His 
compassion,  and  as  riches  which  ought  to  be  secured  for  Him.  True 
service  for  Him  comes  out  of  communion  with  Him,  and  that  service  is 
worthless  to  Him  which  is  done  with  motives  of  selfish  pride. 

Key  Word:      Service,  vv.   1,   30,   38. 

Strong  Verses:      2,   20,   21. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  21.  Jesus  rejoiced  (only  time  recorded)  to  perfect 
strength  out  of  weakness  for  His  own  glory.  He  is  pleased  to  reveal  His 
counsels  in  those  whose  extraction  and  education  have  nothing  in  them 
promising  until  He,  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  elevates  their  faculties  and  fur- 
nishes them  with  this  knowledge.  The  believer  need  not  therefore  be 
disturbed  if  some  of  the  "wise  and  prudent"  of  the  world  would  crucify 
Him  afresh.  Vital  experience  of  Christ  in  the  soul  over-balances  all  hu- 
man reasonings  about  Christ. 

CHAPTER  ELEVEN 

Contents:  Jesus'  doctrine  of  prayer.  Jesus  charged  with  casting  out  demons 
by  Beelzebub,  and  His  answer.  Woes  denounced  upon  the  Pharisees  and 
lawyers. 

Characters:  Jesus,  disciples,  Satan,  Jonah,  Solomon,  Queen  of  the  South, 
Pharisees,  lawyers,  scribes,  Abel,  Zacharias. 

Conclusion:  One  great  design  of  Christianity  is  to  enforce  upon  us  the  duty 
of  prayer,  instruct  us  in  it  and  encourage  us  to  expect  advantage  by 
it.  Prayer  changes  things.  Our  prayers  are  God's  opportunities  to  do 
for  us  what  He  otherwise  could  not  do.  Let  us  therefore  lay  hold  of 
God's  willingness  with  confidence  and  cling  to  Him  with  persistency. 
Obstinate  infidelity  will  never  be  at  loss  for  something  to  say  in  its  own 
excuse,  though  ever  so  absurd.  They  will  yet  be  compelled  to  face  Him 
in  judgment  to  answer  for  all  their  absurdities  and  will  see  the  emptiness 
of  all  external  ceremonies. 

Key  Word:      Prayer,  v.  1.     Evil  generation,  v.  29   (14,54). 

Strong  Verses:      2,  3,  4,  9,   13,  23,  28. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  29.  The  sign  from  God  for  the  confirmation  of  our  faith 
is  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ.  This  is  the  greatest  and  most  con- 
vincing proof  that  He  was  sent  from  God. 

CHAPTER  TWELVE 

Contents:  Jesus  warns  of  leaven  of  the  Pharisees.  Parable  of  the  rich  fool. 
Parable  of  the  second  coming.  Parable  of  the  steward  and  his  servants. 
Christ,  the  divider  of  men. 

Characters:      Jesus,    disciples,    Pharisees,    rich   man,    Peter. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  make  not  religion  a  mere  cloak,  but  have  a  saving 
faith  in  Christ,  can  set  at  defiance  all  the  opposing  forces  of  the  world, 
knowing  that  having  given  Him  first  place  in  their  lives,  they  are  safe 
in  Him.  They  need  not  take  anxious  thought  for  the  things  of  this  life  nor 
dread  even  the  killing  of  the  body,  which  can  only  send  them  to  their 
rest  and  eternal  joy  with  Christ  the  sooner.  Let  them  therefore  sit  loose 
to  the  world,  living  in  hourly  hope  of  His  glorious  return. 

Key  Word:      Jesus  our  security,  vv.  7,  8,  11,  28,  31,  37. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  4,  5,  7,  8,  9,  22,  24,  28,  30,  31,  32,  34,  37,  40,  48. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  40.  Jesus  is  certainly  coming  back  to  earth  in  power  and 
great  glory  and  His  people  are  now  to  live  in  a  state  of  expectation,  doing 
everything  with  that  hope  and  to  that  end.  The  theology  of  v.  45  is  char- 
acterized as  the  theology  of  unfaithful  stewards  who  will  be  caught  un- 
awares to  their  shame. 


LUKE  Page  Twenty-Five 

CHAPTER  THIRTEEN 

Contents:  Parable  of  barren  fig  tree.  Woman  loosed  from  her  infirmity. 
Parable  of  mustard  seed  and  leaven.  Jesus  teaching  on  way  to  Jerusalem. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Galileans,  Pilate,  infirm  woman,  ruler  of  synagogue,  Abra- 
ham, Satan,  Isaac,  Jacob,  Pharisees,  Herod. 

Conclusion:  Genuine  repentance  and  faith  toward  Christ  is  the  only  avenue 
of  escape  from  perishing.  Nothing  can  be  expected  concerning  barren  and 
hypocritical  lives  except  that  they  should  be  cut  down  and  cast  away.  Not 
all  who  say  "Lord,  Lord"  will  find  entrance  to  His  kingdom,  and  to  be 
bidden  by  Him  that  day  to  "depart"  means  hell.  Those  who  would  be 
saved  must  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate,  having  undergone  a  change  of 
heart. 

Key  Word:      Hypocrites  rejected,  vv.  15,  25,  30,  35. 

Strong  Verses:      3,   24,   34. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  6-9.  The  fig  tree  symbolizes  Israel  in  Christ's  time  (Psa. 
80:8-16).  Three  years  and  more  Jesus  sought  fruit  of  this  tree  and 
found  none.  Having  produced  all  His  credentials  as  Messiah,  He  made  His 
triumphal  entry  with  multitudes  shouting  "Hosanna,"  but  He  knew  they 
would  shortly  shout  "crucify."  The  next  day  He  saw  a  fig  tree  and  finding 
nothing  but  leaves,  He  cursed  it.  (Mark  11:12-14.)  See  v.  34.  This 
is  Israel's  condition  "until  the  times  of  the  Gentiles  be  fulfilled." 

CHAPTER  FOURTEEN 

Contents:  Jesus  heals  on  the  Sabbath.  Parable  of  the  ambitious  guest.  Para- 
ble of  the  great  supper.  Parable  of  the  tower,  of  the  king  going  to  war, 
and  of  the  savorless  salt. 

Characters:      Jesus,  Pharisees,  lawyers,  man  with  dropsy. 

Conclusion:  Pride  and  hypocrisy  will  get  shame  and  will  at  last  have  a  fall, 
for  the  Master  of  the  feast  will  marshall  His  guests  and  will  not  see  the 
more  honorable  miss  their  due. 

Many  have  been  bidden  to  the  great  supper  of  Christ,  and  many  there 
are  who  stay  away  on  excuses  of  small  concern.  The  ingratitude  of  those 
who  slight  the  Gospel  invitation  is  an  abuse  of  His  mercy,  and  grace 
despised  is  grace  forfeited.  God  will  however  have  a  church  in  the 
world,  though  there  be  many  who  heed  not  the  call. 

Key  Word:      Great  supper,   v.    16. 

Strong  Verses:      11,   26,   27,   33. 

Striking  Facts:  In  the  two  parables  of  Luke  14:16-24  and  Matt.  22:1-14  we 
see  the  historical  development  of  the  plan  of  salvation.  (1)  Prophetic 
announcement  represented  by  the  first  invitation.  (2)  Second  epoch, 
complete  preparation  followed  by  acts  of  violence.  (3)  Extension  of  the 
invitation  to  the  hitherto  uninvited  guests,  the  Gentiles.  The  key  note 
is  Matt.  22:14. 

CHAPTER  FIFTEEN 

Contents:      Parables  of  the  lost  sheep,  lost  coin  and  lost  son. 

Characters:      Jesus,  Pharisees,  scribes. 

Conclusion:  God  has  a  particular  care  over  backsliding  sinners  (Isr.  in  this 
case)  and  follows  them  with  the  calls  of  His  Word  and  the  strivings  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  until  at  length  they  are  wrought  upon  to  return.  Their 
repentance  and  conversion  are  a  matter  of  joy  and  rejoicing  among  the 
angels  of  heaven. 

Key  Word:      Lost  and  found,  vv.  4,  8,  32. 

Strong  Verses:      7,    10. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  18.  If  one  has  been  in  the  Father's  house  as  a  son,  he, 
like  the  prodigal  is  still  a  son  and  will  be  constantly  constrained  by  the 
Holy  Spirit  and  the  intercessory  work  of  Christ  to  "arise  and  go  to  the 
Father." 

CHAPTER   SIXTEEN 

Contents:  Parable  of  the  unjust  steward.  Jesus  answers  Pharisees.  Rich 
man  -and  Lazarus  in  the  spirit  world. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  disciples,  John  the  Baptist,  rich  man,  Lazarus,  Abra- 
ham, five  brothers  of  rich  man,  Moses. 

Conclusion:      Worldlings  are  often  more  consistent  with  themselves  and  more 


Page  Twenty-Six  LUKE 

enthusiastically  pursue  their  ends  than  Christians.  Though  they  aim  low 
they  aim  better,  improving  their  opportunities  and  doing  that  first  which 
is  most  needed.  Let  us  he  thus  wise  in  spiritual  affairs. 

Prosperity  is  not  a  mark  of  being  a  favorite  of  heaven,  nor  poverty 
a  mark  of  God's  rejection  of  a  man.  Salvation  is  appropriated  by  those 
only  who  accept  the  evidence  of  God's  Word  during  their  lifetime,  and, 
having  died  outside  of  Christ,  there  is  no  ray  of  hope  eternally. 

Key  Word:      Wisdom,   v.    8;    opportunity  lost,   v.    25. 

Strong  Verses:      10,  13,  15. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  23.  "Hell"  is  lit,  "hades,"  the  prison  place  of  departed 
unsaved  spirits  until  the  time  of  the  Great  White  Throne  judgment,  when 
these  spirits  shall  be  resurrected  for  judgment  and  sent  into  the  final  hell 
forever.  This  is  not  a  parable,  for  Jesus  never  names  the  characters  in 
parables,  with  definite  statements  of  things  that  took  place. 

CHAPTER  SEVENTEEN 

Contents:  Instruction  in  forgiveness.  Parable  of  service.  Ten  lepers  healed. 
Second  coming  of  Jesus  foretold. 

Characters:      Jesus,   disciples,   ten  lepers,   Pharisees,  Noah,   Lot,   Lot's  wife. 

Conclusion:  God's  relation  to  the  believer  is  not  one  of  contract  but  of  own- 
ership, and  since  we  never  can  merit  His  favors,  we  should  ever  let  Him 
have  the  praise  of  His  comforts,  while  we  seek  to  manifest  His  spirit 
toward  our  fellowmen. 

Our  Lord  Jesus  is  with  certainty  coming  back  to  earth  to  reign  glori- 
ously. His  coming  will  be  with  such  suddenness  that  none  can  announce 
it  in  advance.  The  world  will  be  moving  on  in  its  regular  pursuits  in  dis- 
regard of  the  warnings  of  God's  Word,  when  He  appears. 

Key  Word:      Duty,  v.  10;  thankfulness,  v.  16;   Second  Coming,  v.  24. 

Strong  Verses:      4,   6,   24,    26,    34,    36. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  21.  Jesus  did  not  teach  these  wicked  men  that  the  "king- 
dom of  the  heavens  was  "within"  them,  but  "among"  them.  It  was  then 
in  their  midst  in  the  person  of  the  Savior  and  His  disciples.  He  has  a 
kingdom  which  is  yet  to  come  with  outward  show  (v.  24)  and  with  such 
suddenness  that  men  will  not  be  able  to  point  here  and  there  and  say 
"the  kingdom  is  coming."  This  is  exactly  what  men  are  now  trying  to 
do,  thinking  the  earthly  kingdom  can  be  set  up  without  the  King  present. 

CHAPTER  EIGHTEEN 

Contents:  Parable  of  the  unjust  judge.  Parable  of  Pharisee  and  publican. 
Little  children  blessed.  Rich  young  ruler.  Death  and  resurrection  fore- 
told. Blind  man  healed  near  Jericho. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Pharisee,  publican,  Peter,  disciples,  blind  man. 

Conclusion:  Trouble  and  perplexity  should  drive  us  to  prayer,  for  it  is  per- 
sistent and  believing  prayer  that  drives  trouble  and  perplexity  away. 
There  is,  however,  no  way  of  approach  to  God  on  the  ground  of  our  own 
merits,  but  only  on  the  ground  of  God's  mercy  as  shown  at  the  blood- 
sprinkled  mercy  seat  ("mercy"  is  lit.  "propitiation."  The  publican  said, 
"be  toward  me  as  thou  art  when  thou  lookest  upon  the  atoning  blood"). 
True  discipleship  is  conditioned  upon  receiving  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
with  the  simplicity  and  humility  of  a  child,  being  willing  to  follow  Him 
and  submit  to  His  discipline  whatever  it  may  cost  us  in  the  things  of  this 
world,  being  confident  that  whatever  we  have  left  behind  for  His  sake 
will  be  abundantly  made  up  to  us  in  better  things,  both  here  and  hereafter. 

Key  Word:      Prayer,  vv.   1,   10;    discipleship,  vv.   22,   29,   43. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  7,  14,  17,  27,  29,  30. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  31-34.  Christ  ever  speaks  of  His  sufferings  as  necessary 
to  the  fulfillment  of  Scripture.  (1  Pet.  1:11.)  His  death  on  Calvary  was 
absolutely  essential  and  would  have  taken  place  in  any  case.  He  came 
to  give  His  life  a  ransom,  and  therefore  did  not  die  as  a  martyr. 

CHAPTER  NINETEEN 

Contents:  Conversion  of  Zaccheus.  Parable  of  the  pounds.  Triumphal  entry. 
Jesus  weeps  over  Jerusalem.  Purification  of  the  temple. 


LUKE  Page  Twenty-Seven 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Zacchaeus,  Abraham,  disciples. 

Conclusion:  The  Lord  Jesus  came  from  heaven  to  make  possible  the  bringing 
of  those  that  are  lost  to  God.  Having  made  this  provision,  He  has  gone 
into  a  far  country  to  receive  for  Himself  a  Kingdom  and  return  in  great 
power.  He  has  endued  His  followers  in  the  world  with  advantages  and 
capacities  of  serving  the  interests  of  His  church  until  He  returns  to  re- 
ceive it,  when  all  shall  render  account  to  Him  and  receive  their  reward 
accordingly. 

Key  Word:      Coming  King,  vv.   12,   38. 

Strong  Verses:      10,  26. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  38.  The  great  honor  paid  to  Christ  by  multitudes  makes 
the  ignominy  of  His  death  to  appear  the  greater.  He  could  have  influ- 
enced all  men  as  easily  as  those  to  whom  the  ass  and  colt  belonged,  but 
the  Great  Ambassador  of  heaven  knew  He  was  entering  Jerusalem  to  be 
rejected  and  crucified  according  to  the  divine  purpose.  The  great  song 
of  rejoicing  will  yet  be  taken  up  by  innumerable  multitudes  when  He 
returns  to  receive  the  Church  and  set  up  His  Kingdom. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY 

Contents:  Jesus'  authority  questioned.  Parable  of  the  vineyard.  Question 
of  the  tribute  money.  Answer  to  Sadducees  about  resurrection.  Jesus 
questions  Scribes. 

Characters:  Jesus,  priests,  Scribes,  John  the  Baptist,  Caesar,  Sadducees,  Moses, 
Abraham. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  question  Christ's  authority,  if  they  would  but  cate- 
chize themselves  in  the  most  evident  principles  of  religion,  will  have 
their  folly  made  manifest,  for  the  evidence  of  His  authority  is  complete 
and  convincing.  Those  who  are  resolved  not  to  recognize  His  authority, 
disowning  Him  as  Lord  of  the  Vineyard,  will  find  themselves  eventually 
thrown  out  of  their  lease,  and  stripped  of  all  their  title,  for  He  will  yet 
become  the  headstone  of  the  corner. 

Key  Word:      Christ's  authority,  vv.  2,  13,  44. 

Strong  Verses:       17,   25,    38. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  44.  Christ  as  God  was  David's  Lord,  but  Christ  as  man 
was  David's  son. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-ONE 

Contents:  The  widow's  mite.  Discourse  on  the  course  of  the  age  and  return 
of  the  Lord. 

Characters:      Jesus,   widow,   disciples. 

Conclusion:  As  the  time  draws  near  when  the  Kingdom  of  God  shall  be  fully 
established  upon  the  earth,  and  the  King  shall  return  in  glory,  the  days 
will  be  characterized  by  increasing  apostasy,  disturbances  in  the  earth 
and  in  the  heavens,  and  intense  hatred  of  those  who  proclaim  the  Gospel. 
The  age  will  culminate  in  a  period  of  terrible  fear  upon  man,  and  then 
shall  Christ  appear. 

Key  Word:      Course  of  age,  v.    7. 

Strong  Verses:      8,   9,   18,   25,   26,   27,   33. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  20-24.  Two  sieges  of  Jerusalem  are  in  view  in  this  chap- 
ter. These  verses  refer  to  the  siege  of  Titus,  A.  D.  70,  when  v.  24  was  ful- 
filled. Christ  did  not  come  then.  Jerusalem  has  been  trodden  down 
throughout  the  present  dispensation  and  will  ever  be  disputed  about  until 
the  times  of  the  Gentiles  are  fulfilled  and  He  comes  who  is  rightful  King. 

CHAPTER   TWENTY-TWO 

Contents:  Judas  covenants  to  betray  Jesus.  Last  passover.  Lord's  supper 
instituted.  Peter's  denial  predicted.  Jesus'  arrest.  Peter's  denial. 

Characters:  Jesus,  priests,  scribes,  disciples,  Judas,  Peter,  Satan,  captains, 
maid. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ,  in  fulfillment  of  the  Scriptures,  was  betrayed  into 
the  hands  of  wicked  men  by  His  own  familiar  friend,  and  as  the  spotless 
Lamb  of  God  was  led  away  to  the  slaughter,  for  the  purpose  to  which  He 
had  consecrated  Himself,  the  shedding  of  His  blood  for  the  putting  away 
of  sin.  He  faced  the  issue  alone,  victorious  over  all  Satanic  attempts  to 


Page  Twenty-Eight  LUKE 

turn  Him  from  the  divine  purpose,  and  forsaken  by  His  own,  went  forth 

to  be  slain. 

Key  Word:      Jesus'  last  night,  v.  1. 
Strong  Verses:      19,   20,   42. 
Striking  Facts:      vv.  19-20.      The  Lord's  supper  itself  is  an  evidence  of  Christ's 

deity,  for  no  man  could  institute  a  memorial  of  himself  of  this  character. 

It  is  a  memorial  of  His  finished  work   (v.  19;   1  Cor.  11:26),  a  symbol  of 

the  impartation  of  His  life  to  us   (vv.  19,  20;   1  Cor.  11:29),  a  vehicle  of 

the  impartation  of  Himself  (vv.  19-20),  a  prophecy  of  His  return  and  the 

marriage  supper.     (1  Cor.  11:26;  Luke  22:16,  18.) 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-THREE 

Contents:  Jesus  before  Pilate  and  Herod.  Barabbas  released  and  Jesus  con- 
demned. The  cricifixion  and  entombment. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Pilate,  Caesar,  Herod,  Barabbas,  Simon,  two  thieves, 
Joseph. 

Conclusion:  (Only  the  divine  Word  can  conclude  this  scene.)  See  Isa.  53:3-6, 
10;  1  Cor.  15:3-4. 

Key  Word:      Crucifixion. 

Strong  Verses:      4,   14,   33,   38,   45,   46. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  4,  14,  43.  The  holiness  of  Jesus  is  attested  by  adverse 
witnesses.  Centurion,  v.  47.  Thief,  v.  41.  Pilate,  vv.  4,  14.  Pilate's 
wife,  Matt.  27:19.  Judas,  Matt.  27:3-4. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-FOUR 

Contents:  Resurrection  of  Christ.  Ministry  of  the  risen  Christ.  His  com- 
mission to  evangelization.  The  ascension. 

Characters:  Jesus,  angels,  Mary  Magdalene,  Joanna,  Mary  mother  of  James, 
Peter,  disciples,  Cleopas. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  who  suffered  all  things  in  fulfillment  of  the  divine  warrant, 
also  came  forth  from  the  domain  of  death  in  fulfillment  of  the  same 
Scriptures,  thereby  being  shown  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power,  whose 
authority  may  never  be  questioned.  Those  who  have  come  to  know  the 
power  of  His  death  and  resurrection  must  go  and  tell  a  guilty  world 
that  an  act  of  indemnity  has  passed  the  royal  assent  which  all  that  believe 
shall  have  the  benefit  of. 

Key  Word:      Resurrection. 

Strong  Verses:      5,  6,  25,  39,  44,  46,  49. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  49.  Those  who  are  to  proclaim  this  supernatural  Gospel 
need  to  be  endued  with  power  from  on  high.  The  church  of  Christ  could 
never  have  been  set  up  by  any  human  power,  neither  can  its  message  pros- 
per without  the  same  baptism  of  the  Spirit.  As  the  disciples  tarried  for 
Pentecost,  so  let  none  venture  today  upon  their  embassy  until  they  have 
received  power  from  on  high. 


GOSPEL  OF  JOHN 


Page  Twenty-Nine 


JOHN 


Key  Thought:              Number  of  Chapters:              Key  Verse:              Christ  seen  as: 

Son  of  God                                  21                                       20:31                Risen  Son  of  God 

Writer  of  the  Book:                               Date: 

John    (the  Apostle)                        A.  D.    85-90 

Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Jesus  is  the  eternal  Son 
of   God,   who   came  into 
the  world  to  reveal  God 
in  terms  of  human  life. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Deity  of  Christ.  Ministry  of  John  the  Baptist.  Jesus  announced 
as  the  Lamb  of  God,  and  the  first  converts  to  Him. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  John  the  Baptist,  Moses,  Elias,  Isaiah,  Pharisees, 
Andrew,  Simon,  Philip,  Nathaniel. 

Conclusion:  The  Son  of  God  became  the  Son  of  Man  that  the  sons  of  men 
through  Him  might  become  the  sons  of  God.  The  next  thing  to  finding 
Him  as  the  Lamb  of  God  is  to  find  another  and  introduce  that  one  to  Him. 

Key  Word:      The  Word,  v.   1. 

Strong  Verses:      12,   13,   14,   17,   29. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  12.  To  teach  "believing  on  Christ"  for  salvation  proves 
His  deity.  If  He  was  a  created  or  finite  being,  to  teach  eternal  salvation 
by  believing  on  Him  is  blasphemy.  Only  God  can  bring  eternal  life  by 
belief  in  Himself.  To  experience  new  life  by  believing  proves  that  Jesus 
was  God  manifest  in  the  flesh.  (See  Jer.  17:5.) 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:      The  marriage  at  Cana  and  the  first  miracle  of  Jesus.     The  passover 

and  the  purification  of  the  temple. 
Characters:      Jesus,   mother,   disciples. 
Conclusion:      Those   who   expect   the   favors   of   Christ   must   with   an   implicit 

obedience   observe   His   orders.      Those   who   follow   Him   shall   fare   with 

Him.     The  way  of  duty  is  the  way  to  mercy. 
Key  Word:      Obedience,  vv.  5,  16. 
Strong   Verses:      5,    16. 
Striking  Facts:      v.   19.      The  ability  of  Christ  to  drive  this  crowd  from  their 

posts  without  opposition  was  in  itself  proof  of  His  authority,  but  if  that 

does  not  convince,  the  great  sign,  His  resurrection,  will  settle  the  question. 

His  resurrection  is  the  Waterloo  of  infidelity. 


CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  Nicodemus  and  the  new  birth.  The  last  testimony  of  John  the 
Baptist. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Nicodemus,  John  the  Baptist,  Moses, 
John's  disciples. 

Conclusion:  Since  the  natural  man,  however  gifted,  moral,  or  refined,  is 
absolutely  blind  to  spiritual  truth  and  impotent  to  enter  the  kingdom,  a 
new  birth  through  Christ  as  the  channel  and  the  Holy  Spirit  as  the 
power  is  an  absolute  necessity.  Heaven  is  a  prepared  place  for  a  prepared 
people.  The  only  gateway  to  it  is — Jesus. 

Key  Wrord:      New  birth,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  6,  7,   16,   18,  19,  36. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  14.  The  bitten  Israelite  was  healed  by  simply  looking  to 
the  brazen  serpent,  not  by  looking  at  his  wound,  although  he  must  of  course 
be  conscious  of  his  condition.  One  look  healed  the  bite.  So  one  look 
of  faith  to  Jesus  saves.  It  is  not  the  way  we  look,  but  the  object  we  look 
at  that  heals. 


Page  Thirty  JOHN 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Jesus  and  the  Samaritan  woman.  The  indwelling  Spirit.  The 
nobleman's  son  healed. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  John  the  Baptist,  Pharisees,  Jacob,  Joseph, 
woman  of  Samaria,  her  husband,  nobleman,  his  son. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ  is  the  gift  of  God,  the  richest  token  of  God's  love, 
the  source  and  fountain  of  those  living  waters,  the  graces  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  which  satisfy  the  thirsting  soul  and  make  a  life  overflowing  with 
goodness.  Those  who  come  face  to  face  with  their  own  helplessness  and 
sin  and  give  their  hearts  to  Him  will  be  the  recipients  of  these  living  wa- 
ters. 

Key  Word:      Living  water,  v.   10. 

Strong  Verses:      10,   14,  23,   24. 

Striking  Facts :  v.  29.  The  divine  knowledge  of  Jesus  proves  His  omniscience. 
Jesus  knows  the  thoughts,  words  and  actions  of  all  the  children  of  men, 
and  by  the  power  of  His  Words  is  still  revealing  to  men  the  secret  sins  of 
their  hearts. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  Healing  of  the  man  at  the  pool  of  Bethesda.  Jesus  answers  the 
Jews.  The  four-fold  witness  to  Jesus. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  infirm  man,  John  the  Baptist,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ,  the  omnipotent  Son  of  God,  delights  to  help  the 
helpless,  and  manifests  His  mercy  to  those  who  are  willing  to  be  helped. 
He  who  thus  overrules  the  powers  of  nature  on  behalf  of  trusting  souls 
can  be  no  other  than  the  Son  of  God,  in  whom  the  fullness  of  the  Godhead 
dwells. 

Key  Word:      Healing,   v.    8. 

Strong  Verses:      23,  24,  28,  29,   39. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  18.  Jesus  was  killed  because  of  His  claims  to  deity.  If 
He  was  not  what  He  claimed  to  be  (v.  23),  He  was  a  blasphemer,  but  this 
is  out  of  the  question,  since  He  was  raised  from  the  dead.  Therefore, 
those  who  deny  His  deity  take  their  stand  with  His  murderers. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:  Feeding  the  5000.  Walking  on  the  sea.  Discourse  on  the  Bread 
of  Life.  Peter's  confession  of  faith. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  disciples,  boy,  Moses,  Joseph. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ,  the  true  Bread,  is  that  to  the  soul  which  bread 
is  to  the  body,  nourishing  and  supporting  the  spiritual  life.  Our  bodies 
could  live  better  without  food  than  our  souls  without  Christ.  Those  who 
have  received  this  Bread  are  to  be  the  distributors  of  it  to  other  hungry 
souls. 

Key  Word:      Bread,  vv.   5,   33. 

Strong  Verses:      27,  29,  35,   37,   39,   40,  44,  51,  63. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  27.  Jesus  is  sealed  by  God  the  Father  as  the  Savior  of 
*h«  world.  By  His  anointing — 1:32-34.  By  the  voice  from  heaven — 
12: 28-30.  By  His  protection — 7:28-30.  By  the  character  of  His  teach- 
ing— 7:16-17.  By  the  resurrection — 20:19. 

CHAPTER  SEVEN 

Contents:  Jesus  urged  to  go  to  the  feast.  His  final  departure  from  Galilep- 
TPSUS  at  the  feast  of  tabernacles.  Prophecy  concerning  the  Holy  Spirit 

Characters:  God.  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  disciples,  brothers  of  Jesus,  Moses.  Phari- 
sees, David.  Nicodemus. 

Conclusion:  It  is  the  comfort  of  those  who  embrace  Christ's  doctrine  that  it 
is  a  divine  doctrine,  proven  so  by  the  blessed  experience  of  what  He  prom- 
ises. He  is  the  source  of  the  refreshing  fountain  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which 
comes  to  replenish  the  soul  that  thirsts  for  Him,  and  to  supply  a  fullness 
of  life  that  overflows  in  blessing  to  other  lives. 

Key  Word:      Water,  vv.    37,    38. 

Strong  Verses:      17,   37,   38,    39. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  12.  Either  Jesus  was  merely  "a  good  man,"  a  "deceiver" 
— or  what  He  claimed — the  divine  Son  of  God.  If  He  is  not  what  He 


JOHN  Page  Thirty-One 

claimed,  He  cannot  be  a  good  man.     Those  who  deny  His  deity  therefore 
put  Him  on  a  level  with  the  devil  (Rev.  20:10). 

CHAPTER  EIGHT 

Contents:  The  woman  taken  in  adultery.  Discourse  after  the  feast  on  Jesus 
as  Light  of  the  world.  Satan,  the  original  liar  and  murderer,  and  the 
Satanic  brotherhood. 

Characters:  Jesus,  adulterous  woman,  Moses,  Pharisees,  scribes,  Abraham, 
Satan. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  was  the  Light  of  the  world,  the  image  of  the  invisible  God. 
Those  shall  have  the  light  of  life  who  follow  Him,  being  guided  away 
from  destroying  error  and  damning  sin,  and  having  that  enjoyment  of 
God  which  will  be  to  them  the  light  of  spiritual  life  in  this  world  and  life 
everlasting  in  the  world  to  come.  All  who  will  have  God  for  their  Father 
must  discover  Him  through  the  Light  of  the  world. 

Key  Word:      Light  of  the  world,  v.    12. 

Strong  Verses:      7,  12,  32,   36,  42,  44,   47. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  18.  Jesus  Christ  was  witnessed  to  by  the  Father.  He 
was  taught  by  the  Father — v.  28.  Attended  by  the  Father — v.  38.  Sent 
by  the  Father — v.  42.  Honored  by  the  Father — v.  54.  Known  by  the 
Father — v.  55.  The  power  of  Christ  over  the  lives  of  men  throughout  the 
centuries  demonstrates  to  a  conclusion  that  He  is  the  one  sealed  by  the 
Father  as  the  Light  of  the  world. 

CHAPTER  NINE 

Contents:      Healing  of  the  man  born  blind.      The  fault  finding  of  unbelievers. 

Characters:      Jesus,  blind  man,  disciples,  Pharisees,  neighbors,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world,  not  only  to  give 
light,  but  sight  to  those  who  could  not  behold  light.  The  sight  that  He 
gives  to  trusting  souls  proves  Him  to  be  the  One  sent  of  God  to  be  the 
true  light  of  the  world.  Experience  of  His  saving  power  is  a  safer  teach- 
ing than  reason,  therefore  let  those  whose  eyes  have  been  opened  be  bold 
to  witness  to  a  world  that  would  explain  away  His  power. 

Key  Word:      Light,  vv.  7,  37. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  31. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  39.  Christ  came  into  the  world  designedly  to  give  sight 
to  those  that  were  spiritually  blind,  by  His  Word  and  Spirit  to  turn  many 
from  darkness  to  light.  He  came  also  that  those  who  had  a  high  conceit 
of  their  own  wisdom,  in  contradiction  to  the  divine  revelation,  might  be 
sealed  up  in  their  infidelity.  The  Gospel  is  a  savor  of  life  unto  life,  or 
of  death  unto  death.  Blindness  has  happened  to  Israel.  The  Gentiles  have 
seen  a  great  light. 

CHAPTER  TEN 

Contents:      Discourse    on   the    Good    Shepherd.      Jesus'    deity   asserted. 

Characters:      Jesus,  God. 

Conclusion:  God,  our  great  owner,  the  sheep  of  whose  pasture  we  are  by 
creation,  has  constituted  His  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  to  be  our  Shepherd.  He 
has  all  that  care  of  His  people  that  a  good  shepherd  has  of  his  flock. 
In  His  care,  the  true  believer  is  eternally  secure,  for  the  hand  that  was 
wounded  and  the  hand  of  our  Creator  close  in  omnipotent,  double  grasp 
upon  him. 

Key  Word:      Shepherd,  v.  11. 

Strong  Verses:      9,   11,   14,   27,   28,   29. 

Striking  Verses:  v.  11.  Jesus  as  our  "Good  Shepherd"  died  to  save  us.  As 
our  "Great  Shepherd"  He  lives  to  guide  us.  Heb.  13:20.  As  the  "Chief 
Shepherd"  He  is  coming  back  to  glorify  us.  1  Peter  5:3. 

CHAPTER  ELEVEN 

Contents:      Raising  of  Lazarus.      Enmity  of  the   Pharisees  against  Jesus. 
Characters:      Jesus,    Lazarus,    Mary,    Martha,    disciples,     Pharisees,     Thomas, 

Caiaphas. 
Conclusion:      Jesus   Christ   is   the   resurrection   and   the   life — the   fountain   of 

life  and  the  head  and  author  of  the  resurrection.     Whoever,  during  life, 


Page  Thirty-Two  JOHN 

lives  by  faith  in  Him,  is  born  again  to  a  heavenly  life,  and  though  the 
body  die,  yet  shall  it  live  again  at  His  word. 

Key  Word:      Lazarus  raised,  vv.   23,   44. 

Strong  Verses:      25,   26,   40. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  5-6.  Jesus'  delays  in  answer  to  prayer  are  not  neces- 
sarily denials.  He  may  delay  because  He  loves  us,  and  always  for  His 
own  glory.  Let  us  not,  therefore,  complain  because  we  cannot  under- 
stand His  dealings,  but  trust  in  Him,  knowing  we  shall  see  the  glory 
of  God.  (v.  40.) 

CHAPTER  TWELVE 

Contents:  The  supper  at  Bethany.  The  triumphal  entry.  Jesus'  answer  to 
Greeks. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Lazarus,  Mary,  Martha,  disciples,  Judas,  Philip,  Andrew, 
Isaiah,  Pharisees. 

Conclusion:  The  most  plentiful  and  powerful  means  of  conviction  will  not 
of  themselves  work  faith  in  the  depraved  and  prejudiced  hearts  of  men. 
Many  hear,  but  few  heed.  Their  final  judgment  is  reserved  to  the  last 
day,  and  the  Word  of  Christ  will  judge  them  then  and  make  them  answer 
for  all  the  contempts  they  have  put  upon  Him. 

Key  Word:      Rejection,  vv.  4,  11,  19,  38,  40,  48. 

Strong  Verses:      25,  26,  32,  35,  46,  48. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  32.  The  cross  of  Jesus  is  the  mightiest  magnet  in  the 
universe.  It  is  Christ  that  draws — and  Christ  crucified.  The  increase 
of  the  church  was  after  His  death.  While  He  lived  we  read  of  thousands 
miraculously  fed,  but  after  His  death  we  read  of  thousands  added  to  the 
church  through  a  single  sermon.  Is  there  a  greater  proof  of  His  divine 
authority  today? 

CHAPTER  THIRTEEN 

Contents:  Last  Passover.  Jesus  washes  disciples'  feet.  Betrayal  foretold,  also 
Peter's  denial. 

Characters:      Jesus,   God,   Judas,   disciples,   Peter,   Satan. 

Conclusion:  What  was  consistent  with  the  dignity  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
is  much  more  consistent  with  ours,  His  servants.  To  sink  is  the  way  to 
rise.  To  serve  in  humility  is  the  way  to  rule.  Let  us  take  heed  lest 
Christ's  condescensions  to  us  and  advancement  of  us,  through  our  cor- 
rupt nature,  cause  us  to  think  high  thoughts  of  ourselves,  or  low  thoughts 
of  Him. 

Key  Word:      Humility,  vv.    5,    14,    16. 

Strong  Verses:      1    (b),   16,   34,   35. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  3,  4,  5,  12,  16.  Jesus  "arose"  from  His  place  in  glory, 
laid  aside  the  garments  of  divine  majesty.  (Phil.  2:6-7.)  Took  the 
form  of  a  "servant"  (Phil.  2:7).  Provides  "cleansing"  (John  15:3). 
Applies  the  cleansing  water  (Eph.  5:26).  "Took  His  garments"  again 
(John  17:5),  and  is  seated.  (Heb.  10:12.) 

CHAPTER  FOURTEEN 

Contents:  Jesus  foretells  His  second  coming  and  promises  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
believers. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Thomas,  disciples,  Philip,  Judas. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  is  the  way — let  us  follow  Him.  Jesus  is  the  truth — let  us 
build  with  confidence  upon  the  precious  truths  of  His  comforting  promises. 
Jesus  is  the  life — let  us  learn  to  abide  in  Him,  the  source  of  spiritual  life, 
until  He  comes  back  to  receive  us  to  the  prepared  mansions  above. 

Key  Word:      Peace,  vv.  1,  27. 

Strong  Verses:      2,   3/6,   12,   13,   14,   21,   23,   26,   27. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  16.  The  word  "Comforter"  means  "one  called  alongside 
to  help."  The  Holy  Spirit  is  the  indwelling  representative  of  Christ  on  the 
earth.  It  is  He  who  guides  us  into  the  truth  concerning  Christ,  forms 
Christ's  purposes  in  our  hearts,  and  even  prays  through  us.  (Rom.  8:26.) 

CHAPTER  FIFTEEN 

Contents:      Jesus'  discourse  on  the  vine  and  the  branches.     The  believer  and 

the  world. 
Characters:      God,    Jesus,    disciples. 


JOHN  Page  Thirty-Three 

Conclusion:  Jesus  is  the  true  vine,  in  which  the  life  of  believers,  as  abiding 
branches,  is  hid.  Abiding  in  Him,  the  believer  is  able  to  walk  in  purity 
of  life,  with  Christ  sharing  in  all  the  interests  of  his  life,  taking  all  bur- 
dens to  Him,  and  drawing  all  wisdom  and  strength  from  Him.  It  is  only 
the  abiding  life  that  bears  fruit  to  the  glory  of  the  Father. 

Key  Word:      Abiding,  v.   4. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  5,  7,  10,  13,  14,  16,  19,  20,  26. 

Striking  Facts:  Christ  proved  His  love  to  the  world  by  laying  down  His 
life  for  it  (1  John  3:16)  in  redemption  work.  His  love  to  us  should 
ever  be  the  standard  of  measure  of  our  love  to  others  in  service  for  Him. 

CHAPTER  SIXTEEN 

Contents:  Warning  of  persecutions.  The  promise  of  the  Spirit  and  His 
three-fold  work.  Jesus  talks  of  His  death,  resurrection  and  second 
coming. 

Characters:      Jesus,    Holy    Spirit,    God,    disciples. 

Conclusion:  The  sending  of  the  Holy  Spirit  was  the  fruit  of  Christ's  purchase 
on  the  cross  and  an  answer  to  His  intercession  within  the  veil — a  proof 
of  the  acceptance  of  His  finished  work  with  the  Father.  He  is  the  com- 
panion of  the  true  believer  in  every  place  and  at  all  times,  whereas  Christ's 
corporal  presence  could  be  in  but  one  place  at  a  time.  As  to  unbelievers, 
the  Holy  Spirit  proves  sin  upon  them  because  of  their  rejection  of  Christ, 
and  warns  of  judgment.  To  the  believer,  He  is  the  constant  helper  and  the 
revealer  of  the  things  of  Christ. 

Key  Word:      Holy  Spirit,  v.   7. 

Strong  Verses:      7,   8,  9,  10,  13,  14,   22,  23,  27,   33. 

CHAPTER  SEVENTEEN 

Contents:      Jesus'  prayer  of  intercession. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  disciples,  Judas. 

Conclusion:  If  God  be  our  Father,  we  have  an  intercessor  to  appear  for  us 
continually  to  guarantee  our  safe  delivery  to  the  haven  above  and  our 
keeping  along  the  way.  He  prays  not  for  the  world  but  for  those  who  are 
His,  that  they  might  be  preserved  in  their  salvation,  that  they  might  have 
His  joy,  that  they  might  be  fortified  against  the  evils  of  the  world,  that 
they  might  be  purified  through  His  Word,  that  they  might  manifest 
oneness  with  Him,  that  they  might  be  edified  in  Him  and  at  last  behold 
His  glory. 

Key  Word:      Intercession,  v.  9. 

Strong  Verses:      3,   11,   17,   18,   21,   24. 

Striking  Facts:  This  prayer,  to  which  there  is  no  "Amen"  attached,  is  be- 
lieved to  be  typical  of  that  perfect  intercession  of  our  High  Priest  in 
heaven.  (Heb.  7:25.)  One  who  has  the  support  of  this  prayer,  as  a  true 
child  of  God,  cannot  be  lost.  Peter,  when  he  fell,  was  kept  by  the  inter- 
cession of  Jesus.  Judas  (v.  12),  when  he  fell,  fell  eternally,  not  being  a 
true  believer  (John  6:70-71). 

CHAPTER  EIGHTEEN 

Contents:  Jesus'  betrayal  and  arrest.  Peter's  denial.  Jesus  condemned  and 
Barabbas  released. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Judas,  priests,  officers,  Pharisees,  Peter,  Malchus,  Annas, 
Caiaphas,  Pilate,  Barabbas,  a  damsel. 

Conclusion:  Our  Lord  Jesus,  having  put  on  the  armor  of  prayer,  went  forth 
to  face  the  great  conflict  with  Satanic  hatred  and  the  sin  of  the  world. 
Betrayed,  misunderstood  and  denied  by  those  of  His  own  familiar  friends, 
He,  the  perfect  One,  was  handed  over  into  wicked  hands,  to  face  alone  the 
condemnation  of  a  guilty  world,  that  those  who  should  believe  upon  Him 
might  not  be  condemned. 

Key  Word:      Betrayal  and  arrest,  vv.  2,  3. 

Strong  Verses:      11,    37    (b). 

Striking  Facts:  v.  1.  In  Eden's  garden,  the  first  Adam  sinned.  In  Geth- 
semane's  garden,  the  second  Adam  suffered  and  prayed.  In  Eden  all  was 
delightful  and  bright — here  all  was  painful  and  dark.  In  Eden  there 


Page  Thirty-Four  JOHN 

was  disobedience  and  the  first  Adam  hid.  Here  there  was  perfect  obed- 
ience, and  the  second  Adam  presented  Himself  as  the  spotless  Lamb  of 
God,  ready  for  sacrifice. 

CHAPTER  NINETEEN 

Contents:      Pilate   brings   Jesus   before   the   multitude.      The   rejection   of   the 

Savior  and  the  crucifixion.     His  entombment. 
Characters:      Jesus,  Pilate,  soldiers,  Jesus'  mother,  His  aunt,  wife  of  Cleophas, 

Mary  Magdalene,  Joseph,  Nicodemus. 
Conclusion:      Only   Scripture   itself   can   conclude   this   scene.      Isa.    53    (whole 

chapter). 

Key  Word:      Crucifixion,  v.  18. 
Strong  Verses:      4  (b),    17,    18,    30. 
Striking  Facts:      The  death  of  Jesus  fulfilled  every  sacrificial  ceremony  of  the 

Old  Testament.     He  was  the  "passover  lamb."     As  the  blood  of  the  Old 

Testament  sacrifice  was  sprinkled  seven  times    (Num.   19:1-10),   so  there 

was  a  seven-fold  sprinkling  of  the  blood  of  Jesus  in  His  crucifixion.      1. 

Scourged — 19:1.       2.      Thorns — 19:2;     3-4.      Each    hand    pierced.       5-6. 

Each  foot  pierced.      7.      The  spear  thrust — v.   34. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY 

Contents:      Resurrection  of  Christ. 

Characters:  Mary  Magdalene,  Peter,  John,  two  angels,  Jesus,  disciples, 
Thomas. 

Conclusion:  He  who  gave  His  life  as  a  ransom  resumed  His  life  again  by  the 
mighty  power  of  God,  proving  the  acceptability  of  His  sacrifice  as  a  satis- 
faction for  sin,  with  the  Father,  and  offering  to  all  who  should  trust  in 
Him,  the  peace  of  God  that  passes  all  understanding. 

Key  Word:      Resurrection,   v.    14. 

Strong  Verses:      21,  29  (b),  31. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  31.  This  verse  defines  the  purpose  of  God's  Word — the 
demonstrating  of  the  deity  of  Jesus  Christ  and  the  efficacy  of  His  salva- 
tion. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-ONE 

Contents:  The  risen  Christ  surprises  the  disciples  and  directs  their  fishing. 
Peter  given  opportunity  to  reaffirm  His  allegiance  to  Christ. 

Characters:      Jesus,  disciples,  Peter,  Thomas,  John. 

Conclusion:  In  those  disappointments  which  to  us  are  very  grievous,  our 
Master  often  has  designs  that  are  very  gracious.  They  are  happy  and 
successful  in  their  work  who  know  how  to  take  hints  from  Him,  for 
nothing  can  be  lost  but  much  gained  by  following  His  orders. 

Before  Christ  can  commit  His  sheep  to  our  care,  He  would  have  us 
examine  the  love  of  our  hearts  toward  Him.  If  we  would  try  whether 
we  are  true  disciples  of  His,  let  us  ask  ourselves  the  question,  "Do  we 
really  love  Jesus?" 

Key  Word:      Service    (v.    6)    and  love    (v.    15). 

Strong  Verses:      15,    16,    17. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  25.  The  truth  about  Jesus  Christ  could  never  be  ex- 
hausted. Jesus  never  spoke  an  idle  word  nor  did  an  idle  thing.  He 
wrought  probably  thousands  of  miracles  of  which  we  have  no  record. 
All  that  is  needful  for  our  salvation  is  written.  The  ages  of  eternity  will 
reveal  the  wonders  of  the  life  of  the  Son  of  God. 


BOOK  OF  THE  ACTS  Page  Thirty-Five 

THE   ACTS 


Key  Thought:              Number 

Witness 

of  Chapters: 

28 

Key  Verse:              Christ  seen  as: 

1  :  8                 Ascended    Lord 
and  Christ. 

Writer  of  the  Book: 

Luke 

Date: 

A.  D.    65 

Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

The     work     that     Jesus 
"began"   to  do  was,  and 
is,    continued     by     Him 
through  the  Holy  Spirit. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Resurrection  ministry  of  Christ.  The  apostolic  commission.  Prom- 
ise of  the  Lord's  second  coming.  Waiting  for  the  coming  of  the  Spirit. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Spirit,  Luke,  Theophilus,  John  the  Baptist,  disciples, 
Mary,  Peter,  David,  Judas,  Joseph,  Matthias. 

Conclusion:  Waiting  on  God  for  the  anointing  of  the  Spirit  is  the  great  con- 
dition of  spiritual  blessing  and  fullness  of  power.  Those  whom  Jesus 
Christ  employs  as  His  witnesses  He  will  qualify  for  it  by  a  better  spirit 
than  their  own — the  Holy  Spirit,  His  representative. 

Key  Word:      Tarrying,  vv.  4,  8,  14. 

Strong  Verses:      7,  8,  11. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  11.  This  is  one  of  the  most  definite  promises  of  the 
second  coming  in  the  Scriptures.  This  "same  Jesus" — not  another  (John 
14:16),  is  coming  "in  like  manner"  as  He  went  up — in  the  clouds  visibly. 
This  could  not  have  been  fulfilled  in  the  coming  of  the  Spirit  at  Pentecost. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Holy  Spirit's  coming  on  day  of  Pentecost.  The  gospel  given  to 
the  Jews.  Peter's  great  sermon  on  the  resurrected  Christ,  and  the  con- 
viction of  the  people. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  disciples,  Peter,  Joel,  David. 

Conclusion:  Upon  Jesus  Christ's  return  to  heaven,  He  poured  forth  the  Holy 
Spirit  upon  His  own,  proving  His  arrival  there  as  the  crucified  Lamb  of 
God,  and  distinguishing  His  followers  as  messengers  from  heaven.  The 
fullness  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  necessary  to  a  true  understanding  of  the 
Scriptures  and  to  the  presenting  of  Jesus  the  Christ  in  convicting  power 
to  unsaved  men. 

Key  Word:      Holy  Ghost,  v.   4.      Witnessing,  v.   14. 

Strong  Verses:      21,    23,   24,   33,    36,    38,    39. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  32-34.  Three  conclusive  proofs  are  here  given  that  Jesus 
Christ  arose  from  the  dead.  1.  He  was  seen  by  the  disciples.  2.  The 
Holy  Spirit  has  come  upon  men,  and  this  promise  was  conditioned  by 
Jesus  upon  His  resurrection.  3.  The  prophecies  declared  He  must  not 
see  corruption. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:      The  lame  man  healed  at  the  temple  gate. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Peter,  John,  lame  man,  Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob,  Pilate, 
Moses,  Samuel. 

Conclusion:  The  hand  of  compassion,  extended  by  Spirit-filled  men,  in  the 
name  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  risen  Lord,  is  fraught  with  power  to  lift  men 
heavenward.  The  cures  of  Christ  are  visible  to  all — let  men  therefore 
know  that  He  who  was  crucified  was  none  other  than  the  Prince  of  Life. 

Key  Word:      Power  of  Christ,  vv.  8,   12,   16. 

Strong  Verses:      15,    18,   19,   26. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  15.  They  preserved  a  murderer,  a  destroyer  of  life,  and 
thought  to  destroy  the  Saviour,  the  author  of  life.  But  God  raised  Him 
from  the  dead,  proving  that  in  fighting  against  Jesus,  they  were  fighting 
against  God.  The  doctrine  of  Jesus  Christ  was  thereby  confirmed,  and  the 
reproach  of  His  sufferings  was  rolled  away. 


Page  Thirty -Six  ACTS 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:      The  first  persecution.     Peter's  address  to  the  Sanhedrin.     Preaching 

in  Jesus'  name  forbidden.     Christians  again  filled  with  the  Spirit.     State  of 

the  Church  at  Jerusalem. 
Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Peter,  priests,  captain,  Sadducees,  elders, 

scribes,  Annas,  Alexander,  lame  man,  John,  David,  Herod,  Pilate,  Moses. 
Conclusion:      The  more  resolute  are  Christ's  servants  to  witness  of  Him,  the 

more  spiteful  will  be  the  agents  of  Satan — therefore,  let  Satan's  agents 

be  ever  so  spiteful,  Christ's  witnesses  must  be  resolute,  for  the  Holy  Spirit 

may  be  counted  upon  to  enable  them  to  do  their  part.     Persecution  gives 

wings  to  the  truth. 
KeyWord:      Persecution,  vv.  3,  29. 
Strong  Verses:      11,   12,   20,   31. 
Striking  Facts:      v.  12.      Those  are  eternally  undone  who  do  not  take  shelter 

in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  and  make  it  their  refuge  and  strong  tower. 

Only  by  embracing  Him  and   Him  only,   receiving  His   doctrine,   is   there 

salvation  for  any. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  Sin  and  death  of  Ananias  and  Sapphira.  The  second  persecution 
and  answer  of  apostles  to  their  persecutors.  Warning  of  Gamaliel.  Apos- 
tles beaten. 

Characters:  God,  Holy  Spirit,  Ananias,  Sapphira,  apostles,  Satan,  Peter,  priest, 
Sadducees,  officers,  Gamaliel,  Theudas. 

Conclusion:  Beware  of  going  to  greater  length  in  profession  than  the  inner 
life  will  stand — being  ambitious  to  be  counted  religious  and  liberal  while 
secretly  cherishing  selfish  motives-^for  this  is  lending  oneself  to  Satan 
and  lying,  not  merely  to  men,  but  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  a  great  affront  to 
God. 

Never  does  good  work  go  on  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  but  it  is  met 
with  opposition,  for  Satan,  the  destroyer  of  men,  will  ever  be  an  adversary 
to  those  who  are  benefactors  to  men.  We  may  cheerfully  trust  God  with 
our  safety,  so  long  as  we  keep  close  to  the  will  of  God  and  trust  in  Christ 
our  leader. 

Key  Word:      Lying   (to  Holy  Ghost),  vv.  3,  9.     Persecution,  vv.   18,  33,  40. 

Strong  Verses:      29,  31,  32,  39,  42. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  31.  God  has  invested  Christ  with  the  highest  dignity  and 
entrusted  Him  with  the  highest  authority.  It  is  He  alone  who  is  author- 
ized to  give  repentance  and  remission  to  men.  The  new  heart  is  His  work, 
the  broken  spirit  a  sacrifice  of  His  providing,  the  putting  away  of  sin  His 
task  alone. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:      The  first  deacons.     Third  persecution.     Stephen  before  the  council. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  apostles,  Stephen,  Philip,  Prochorus, 
Nicanor,  Timon,  Parmenas,  Nicolas,  priests,  Moses,  elders,  scribes. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  are  called  to  preach  the  Word  of  God  must  not 
neglect  this  special  ministry  for  church  activities  that  should  be  carried 
on  by  others.  Those  engaged  in  the  work  of  Christ's  church  regardless  of 
how  menial  may  be  their  task,  must  be  free  from  scandal,  men  that  can 
be  trusted,  possessed  of  discretion  and  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Key  Word:      Deacons,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      4. 

CHAPTER  SEVEN 

Contents:      Address  of  Stephen   before   the   council.      Stephen  martyred. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Stephen,  Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob,  Joseph, 
Pharaoh,  Moses,  Pharaoh's  daughter,  Aaron,  Solomon,  Saul. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  are  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  the  Word  of  God 
cannot  but  speak  boldly  against  sin,  and  they  will  be  made  fit  for  anything, 
either  to  act  for  Christ  or  to  suffer  for  Him.  As  their  afflictions  for  Christ 
abound,  their  consolation  in  Him  may  yet  more  abound.  Let  us  as  we 
witness  look  constantly  to  Christ  that  we  may  be  ever  set  above  the  fear 
of  man. 

Key  Word:      Testimony,  v.    1.      Martyrdom,  v.   59. 


ACTS  Page  Thirty-Seven 

Strong  Verses:      52,  55,  56. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  56.  Col.  3:1  tells  us  when  Jesus  ascended,  He  sat  down 
in  heaven.  Stephen  sees  Him  standing.  He  stood  to  welcome  to  heaven 
the  first  martyr.  He  will  stand  again  when  the  hour  of  the  rapture  of 
the  Church  is  at  hand. 

CHAPTER  EIGHT 

Contents:  Saul  persecuting  Christians.  The  first  missionaries.  The  case 
of  Simon,  the  sorcerer.  Philip  and  the  Ethiopian. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Saul,  Stephen,  Philip,  Simon,  apostles, 
Peter,  John,  angels,  Ethiopian,  Isaiah. 

Conclusion:  Where  Jesus  Christ  is  preached  and  the  gospel  is  embraced, 
Satan  is  forced  to  quit  his  hold  of  men,  and  those  are  restored  to  their 
right  mind  who,  while  they  were  blinded  by  Satan,  were  distracted  and 
dissatisfied.  The  bringing  of  Christ's  gospel  to  any  place  or  individual  is 
a  matter  of  great  joy  to  that  place  or  person. 

Key  Word:      Preaching  Christ,  vv.  4,  5,  12,  25,  35,  40. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  20,  37. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  37.  A  short  but  comprehensive  confession  of  faith.  The 
deity  of  Jesus  Christ  is  the  principal  doctrine  of  Christianity,  and  those 
who  believe  it  with  all  their  hearts  and  confess  it  are  to  be  baptized — 
and  only  those. 

CHAPTER  NINE 

Contents:  Conversion  of  Saul  of  Tarsus.  Paul  preaches  and  visits  Jerusalem 
and  returns  to  Tarsus.  Peter  heals  Aeneas.  Tabitha  raised  from  the 
dead. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Saul,  disciples,  high  priest,  Ananias,  Judas, 
Barnabas,  Peter,  Aeneas,  Dorcas,  Simon. 

Conclusion:  There  is  no  need  to  despair  of  the  conversion  of  those  who  com- 
mit the  worst  outrages  against  Christianity,  for  the  power  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  is  able  to  break  down  the  stubborn  will  of  one  who  is  at  the  same 
time  chief  of  legalists  and  chief  of  sinners.  God  chooses  the  instruments 
He  would  employ  in  His  service,  and  is  able  to  fit  them  for  His  designs  by 
the  power  of  His  Spirit. 

Key  AVord:      Saul,   v.    1. 

Strong  Verses:      5. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  20.  One  who  has  been  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost  is 
sure  to  preach  Christ,  that  He  is  the  Son  of  God. 

CHAPTER  TEN 

Contents:  Peter  opens  the  gospel  door  to  the  Gentiles.  Cornelius  sends  for 
Peter  and  Peter  goes  to  Caesarea.  Peter's  sermon  to  Gentiles  in  Cor- 
nelius' house.  Holy  Spirit  comes  upon  Gentile  believers. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Cornelius,  angel,  Peter,  Simon,  3  mes- 
sengers, John. 

Conclusion:  In  Jesus  Christ,  neither  circumcision  nor  uncircumcision  availeth 
anything,  for  by  His  finished  work,  the  door  of  the  gospel  has  been  opened 
to  "whosoever  believeth."  Whatever  nation  one  may  be  of,  though  far 
remote  from  the  seed  of  Abraham,  though  ever  so  despicable,  that  will 
be  no  prejudice  to  him,  if  he  will  receive  God's  appointed  sacrifice  for  the 
remission  of  sins. 

Key  Word:      Gentiles  called,  vv.  34-35. 

Strong  Verses:      15,  34,  35,  43. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  42-43.  All  men  shall  be  accountable  to  Jesus  Christ  as 
Judge  if  they  will  not  receive  Him  as  Savior.  He  alone  determines  the 
everlasting  condition  of  all  men  at  the  great  day.  Those  who  believe  in 
His  Name  may  rest  assured  that  there  will  be  no  condemnation  for  them. 

CHAPTER  ELEVEN 

Contents:      Peter  vindicates  his  ministry  to  the  Gentiles.     Name  "Christians" 

first  applied  at  Antioch. 
Characters:      Jesus,  Spirit,  Peter,  angel,  John,  Stephen,   Barnabas,   Saul,  Aga- 

bus,  Caesar. 
Conclusion:      As  Christians  travel  the  Gospel  spreads,  and  where  God's  Word 


Page  Thirty-Eight  ACTS 

takes  root,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  goes  with  it  to  give  the  tokens  of  His 
good  will  and  the  evidences  of  His  work  among  them  by  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Key  Word:      Antioch  Christians,  vv.  22,  26. 

Strong  Verses:      23. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  26.  The  name  "Christians"  cannot  be,  as  some  claim,  a 
nickname.  The  Holy  Spirit  would  not  draw  attention  to  the  epithets  of 
a  jeering  crowd  and  let  it  pass  down  the  centuries  as  their  accredited  name. 
The  name  was  certainly  divinely  chosen,  for  it  puts  emphasis  on  "Christ" 
(anointed  One)  rather  than  the  human  name  of  our  Lord,  in  which  case 
we  would  have  been  called  "Jesuits." 

CHAPTER  TWELVE 

Contents:  Persecutions  of  the  church  and  arrest  of  Peter.  Prayer  for  his 
deliverance  and  his  miraculous  release.  Death  of  Herod. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Herod,  James,  Peter,  2  soldiers,  angel,  Mary,  Mark,  Rhoda, 
Blastus,  Barnabas,  Saul. 

Conclusion:  Times  of  public  distress  and  danger  should  be  especially  praying 
times  for  the  church.  However  God's  people  are  surrounded,  there  is  al- 
ways a  way  open  heavenward,  nor  can  the  strongest  bars  intercept  His 
power.  God  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  we  ask  or  think. 

Key  Word:      Delivered,  v.  11. 

Strong  Verses:      5. 

CHAPTER  THIRTEEN 

Contents:  Paul  and  Barnabas  called.  Satanic  opposition  from  a  sorcerer. 
Paul's  sermon  in  the  synagogue  at  Antioch.  Opposition  from  Jews.  Paul 
and  Barnabas  turn  to  Gentiles. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Barnabas,  Simeon,  Lucius,  Manaen, 
Herod,  Paul,  Bar-jesus,  Sergius  Paulus,  Satan,  Mark,  Saul,  David,  John 
the  Baptist,  Abraham,  Pilate. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  have  been  separated  to  Christ  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
will  have  the  presence  of  the  Holy  Ghost  with  them  to  strengthen  them, 
carry  forward  their  work  and  give  success  to  the  Word  preached.  Those 
thus  called  may  venture  upon  the  stormy  sea  of  persecution  for  Christ's 
sake  as  if  it  was  a  quiet  harbor,  having  great  joy  in  the  sowing  of  the 
Word  and  confidence  that  He  will  bless  it  to  His  own  glory. 

Key  Word:      Word  published,  vv.   5,   44,   49. 

Strong  Verses:      26,   38,   39,   47. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  33.  The  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  was  the  great  proof 
of  His  being  the  Son  of  God  with  power,  and  was  the  confirmation  of  all 
that  was  prophesied  about  Him,  and  the  ratification  of  His  divine  commis- 
sions. His  resurrection  is  proven — v.  31. 

CHAPTER  FOURTEEN 

Contents:  Work  of  the  Gospel  at  Iconium,  Derbe,  Lystra.  An  impotent  man 
at  Lystra  healed.  Paul  stoned.  Elders  appointed  in  the  churches. 

Characters:      God,  Paul,  Barnabas,  impotent  man,  priest  of  Jupiter. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  speak  boldly  in  the  Lord  need  not  think  it  strange,  if 
the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  occasions  divisions,  nor  be  offended  by  the 
insults  heaped  upon  them  by  embittered  and  convicted  spirits.  They  shall 
be  made  strong  in  the  Lord  and  in  the  power  of  His  might,  and  God  shall 
confirm  their  testimony  in  granting  wonders  to  be  done  by  their  hands. 

Key  Word:      Giving  testimony,   v.    3. 

Strong  Verses:      22. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  15.  There  is  only  one  man  who  can,  without  idolatry,  be 
worshiped — Jesus,  the  Christ  who  was  "God  manifest  in  the  flesh."  "Thou 
shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy  God  and  Him  only." 

CHAPTER  FIFTEEN 

Contents:      The  council  at  Jerusalem  and  the  question  of  circumcision.     Paul's 

second  missionary  journey.     Silas  chosen. 
Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Moses,  Paul,  Barnabas,  apostles,  elders, 

Pharisees,  Peter,  James,  Simeon,  David,  Judas,  Silas,  Mark. 
Conclusion:      Those  who  are  ever  so  well  taught  have  need  to  stand  upon  their 

guard  that  they  be  not  untaught  again,  and  having  known  liberty  in  Christ 

Jesus  should  again  be  brought  into   bondage  to   law  which   cannot  save. 


ACTS  Page  Thirty-Nine 

In  a  multitude  of  counsellors  there  is  safety  and  satisfaction  if  the  coun- 
sellors are  men  whom  God  has  approved  and  who  are  instructed  in  His 
Word.  When  serious  differences  in  regard  to  God's  Word  arise,  let  men 
of  God  come  together  in  solemn  meeting  for  prayer  and  mutual  advice. 

Key  Word:      Council,  vv.   6,   25. 

Strong  Verses:      11,  14,  18. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  14.  This  is  one  of  the  most  important  passages  in  the 
New  Testament,  stating  the  divine  program  for  the  church  in  this  dispen- 
sation. It  is  not  the  conversion  of  the  world  through  the  different  agen- 
cies of  reform,  but  the  taking  out  of  the  world  of  an  elect  people  who  shall 
make  up  the  Body  or  Bride  of  Christ.  The  Gospel  everywhere  calls  out 
some,  but  it  never,  in  any  place,  has  been  known  to  convert  all,  and  nothing 
of  this  order  is  to  be  expected  in  this  age.  The  work  of  the  church  is 
soul  winning. 

CHAPTER  SIXTEEN 

Contents:  Paul  finds  Timothy.  Paul's  Macedonian  vision.  The  first  convert 
in  Europe.  Demons  cast  out  of  a  damsel.  Paul  and  Silas  beaten.  Con- 
version of  the  Philippian  jailer. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Timothy,  Lydia,  a  damsel,  Silas,  prison 
keeper,  magistrates,  sergeants. 

Conclusion:  The  movements  of  God's  servants  and  the  dispensing  of  the  means 
of  grace  by  them  are  in  a  particular  manner  under  a  divine  guidance  and 
direction,  and  those  who  are  under  the  check  and  conduct  of  the  Spirit, 
though  they  be  called  upon  to  suffer  much  for  Jesus'  sake,  may  be  sure 
God  will  in  some  way  get  glory  to  Himself  by  their  testimony  and  perse- 
cutions. 

Key  Word:      Called   (v.  10)  and  kept  (vv.  25,  27). 

Strong   Verses:      31. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  31.  Here  is  the  sum  of  the  whole  Gospel,  the  covenant  of 
grace  in  a  nutshell.  It  is  the  only  way  to  salvation.  Admit  the  record 
that  God  has  given  in  His  Gospel  concerning  His  Son,  assent  to  it  as  faith- 
ful and  worthy  of  acceptation,  receive  Jesus  Christ  as  He  is  offered  to  us 
in  the  Gospel,  and  give  up  yourself  to  be  saved  and  ruled  by  Him. 

CHAPTER   SEVENTEEN 

Contents:  Founding  of  church  at  Thessalonica  and  the  Jewish  opposition. 
Paul  and  Silas  at  Berea.  Paul  at  Athens  and  the  sermon  from  Mars'  hill. 

Characters:  Christ,  Paul,  Silas,  Jason,  Caesar,  philosophers,  Dionysius,  Da- 
maris. 

Conclusion:  The  doctrine  of  Christ  does  not  fear  a  scrutiny,  but  will  be  borne 
out  fully  by  the  light  of  all  Scripture.  Those  who  reason  from  the  Scrip- 
tures concerning  "Christ  crucified"  may  expect  not  only  that  God  will 
incline  some  to  make  use  of  the  means  of  grace  by  searching  the  Scrip- 
tures for  themselves,  but  that  the  enmity  of  the  restless  agents  of  Satan 
will  be  aroused.  Nevertheless,  by  seeking  to  extinguish  the  divine  fire, 
enemies  will  but  spread  it  the  farther  a  ad  faster. 

Key  Word:       (Scriptural)   Reasoning,  vv.  2,  1L,  22. 

Strong  Verses:      11,    24,   25,    26,    28,    31. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  3.  The  scope  of  all  preaching  is  to  point  to  Jesus  Christ 
as  the  One  who  made  atonement  and  was  resurrected  for  the  justification 
of  all  who  will  believe.  Jesus  must  be  the  subject  of  all  preaching,  and 
our  business  is  to  bring  people  to  acquaintance  with  Him. 

CHAPTER  EIGHTEEN 

Contents:  Paul  at  Corinth.  The  careless  Gallio.  Paul  takes  a  Jewish  vow. 
Apollos  at  Ephesus. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Paul,  Aquila,  Priscilla,  Claudius,  Silas,  Timothy,  Justus, 
Crispus,  Gallio,  Sosthenes,  Apollos,  John  the  Baptist. 

Conclusion:  Let  the  Gospel  be  propagated,  not  by  force,  but  by  fair  argument, 
meeting  the  reasonings  of  sinners  with  ready  answers  from  the  Scriptures. 
It  is  always  our  duty  to  testify  with  all  solemnity  to  Christ's  deity,  espe- 
cially where  men  speak  reproachful!?;  of  Him,  thus  making  ourselves 
clean  from  the  blood  of  their  souls.  Those  who  have  Christ  with  them 
need  not  shrink  from  pleading  the  cause  of  heaven  with  boldness. 


Page  Forty  ACTS 

Key  Word:      Testifying  (v.  5)  and  reasoning  (vv.  4,  19). 

Strong  Verses:      9,   10. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  5,  28.  Too  much  cannot  be  said  of  the  necessity,  in  our 
preaching  or  witnessing,  of  preaching  "not  ourselves,  but  Christ  Jesus,  the 
Lord,"  teaching  men  from  the  Scriptures  the  great  fundamental  doctrine 
of  His  deity. 

CHAPTER  NINETEEN 

Contents:  Paul  at  Ephesus.  Disciples  of  John  the  Baptist  become  Christians. 
Paul  in  the  synagogue  and  in  the  school  of  Tyrannus.  Paul's  miracles. 
Uproar  of  the  silversmiths. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Apollos,  Paul,  John  the  Baptist,  Tyrannus, 
Sceva,  his  seven  sons,  Timothy,  Erastus,  Demetrius,  Gaius,  Aristarchus. 

Conclusion:  Let  Christ's  witnesses  speak  undauntedly  with  holy  resolution, 
as  those  who  have  not  the  least  doubt  of  the  things  they  speak  of,  nor  the 
least  distrust  of  the  power  of  Him  they  speak  from,  nor  the  least  dread  of 
those  they  speak  to.  While  some  will  oppose  the  Gospel  because  it  calls 
many  off  from  their  sinful  employments,  it  will  lead  many  to  true  contri- 
tion for  sin  and  confession  of  Christ. 

Key  Word:      Disputing  and  persuading,  v.  8. 

Strong  Verses:      18. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  10,  20.  The  Gospel  is  Christ's  Word.  To  preach  from  the 
Scriptures  without  preaching  Christ  is  to  miss  the  result  in  v.  20,  the  pre- 
vailing mightily  in  the  hearts  of  men.  It  is  Christ  in  our  preaching  Who 
goes  on  conquering  and  to  conquer. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY 

Contents:  Paul  goes  to  Macedonia  and  Greece.  His  visits  at  Troas,  Miletus. 
Paul's  conference  with  the  Ephesian  elders. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Sopater,  Aristarchus,  Secundus,  Gaius, 
Timothy,  Tychicus,  Trophimus,  Eutychus,  elders. 

Conclusion:  As  witnesses  of  the  grace  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ,  we  ought 
not  to  hold  our  lives  of  any  account  to  ourselves  in  comparison  with  ac- 
complishing our  course  and  declaring  the  whole  counsel  of  God.  Being  our- 
selves made  pure  by  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  Man,  it  behooves  us  to  make 
ourselves  pure  from  the  blood  of  the  sons  of  men. 

Key  Word:      Testifying,  vv.   21,  24. 

Strong  Verses:      20,  24,  27,  28,  32,  35. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  28.  The  priceless  cost  of  redemption  is  here  seen — the 
blood  of  God.  See  1  Tim.  3:16.  Christ's  deity  is  thereby  asserted.  His 
blood  was  of  infinite  value — being  God's  blood. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-ONE 

Contents:  Holy  Spirit  forbids  Paul  to  go  to  Jerusalem.  Paul  goes  to  Jerusa- 
lem. Paul  takes  a  Jewish  vow.  Seized  in  the  temple  by  the  Jews  and 
bound  with  chains. 

Characters:  Paul,  Holy  Spirit,  Philip,  his  four  daughters,  Manson,  James, 
Moses,  Trophimus,  police  captain. 

Conclusion:  Disregard  of  any  details  of  the  leading  of  the  Holy  Spirit  leads 
into  a  multitude  of  difficulties  that  might  have  been  avoided.  God  often 
protests  the  most  devoted  acts  of  some  of  His  servants,  even  acts  of  self 
sacrifice,  and  would  save  them  from  bringing  their  greater  usefulness  to  an 
abrupt  end;  nevertheless  He  is  able  to  overrule  their  mistakes  and  bring 
good  out  of  them  to  men  and  glory  to  Himself. 

Key  Word:      Warnings  disregarded,  vv.  4,  11,  14. 

Strong  Verses:      13. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  36.  As  men  cried  "Crucify  Him"  and  "away  with  Him" 
at  Christ  Himself,  though  they  could  not  say  what  evil  He  had  done,  so 
they  will  often  treat  His  ambassadors  and  -desire  to  chase  them  out  of  the 
world. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-TWO 

Contents:      Paul's  defense  before   the  multitude.      Recounts   his   conversion. 
Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Paul,  Ananias,  chief  captain. 

Conclusion:  God's  servants  who  are  set  upon  with  rage  and  fury  because 
of  their  teachings  concerning  Christ  cannot  offer  a  better  defense  of  their 


ACTS  Page  Forty-One 

doctrine  than  to  relate  their  own  vital  experience  with  the  saving  power 

of  Jesus  Christ.      Christianity  is  not  an  argument  but  a  life. 
Key  Word:      Experience,  v.  3. 
Strong  Verses:      16. 
Striking  Facts:      v.    14.      There  is  a  three-fold  preparation  for  the  service   of 

Christ.      1.     To  know  His  will.      2.     To  have  a  vision  of  Christ,  the  Just 

One,  crucified.      3.     To  hear  His  voice. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-THREE 

Contents:  Paul  before  the  Sanhedrin.  The  conspiracy  to  kill  Paul  and  its 
defeat.  Paul  sent  to  Felix. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Paul,  Ananias,  Pharisees,  Sadduces,  Paul's  sister's 
son,  centurion,  chief  captain,  Lysias,  Felix. 

Conclusion:  Many  are  the  troubles  of  the  righteous,  but  some  way  or  other, 
the  Lord  delivereth  them  out  of  them  all.  God  is  able  to  bring  the  hidden 
things  to  light  and  make  conspirators'  own  tongues  betray  them,  and  above 
all  to  make  the  persecutions  of  His  servants  to  turn  to  the  wider  spread 
of  the  Gospel. 

Key  Word:      Dissension  (v.  7)  and  conspiracy  (v.  13). 

Strong  Verses:      11. 

Striking  Facts:  It  is  the  will  of  Christ  that  His  servants  should  often  suffer 
with  Him,  but  in  their  trials  He  would  have  them  to  be  "cheerful,"  and  in 
the  consciousness  of  His  presence,  how  can  one  be  otherwise?  If  He  is  with 
us,  all  secular  events  will  be  ordered  to  give  opportunity  to  witness  for 
Christ. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-FOUR 

Contents:      Paul  accused  before  Felix,  and  his  defense. 

Characters:      Ananias,   elders,  Tertullus,  Felix,  Paul,  Lysias,  Drusilla,   Festus. 

Conclusion:  Every  false  cause  can  find  men  of  sharp  wits  to  plead  it.  The 
truest  Christian  life  is  no  fence  against  the  hatred  of  the  rejectors  of  Christ 
(John  15:18),  but  if  God's  servants  can  speak  with  the  language  of  a  clear 
conscience,  they  need  have  no  fear.  "The  angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth 
round  about  them." 

Key  Word:      Accused,  v.  2. 

Strong  Verses:      16. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  14.  It  is  nothing  new  for  the  Scriptural  and  right  way  to 
worship  to  be  called  "heresy."  Jesus  Christ  Himself  was  called  a  heretic. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-FIVE 

Contents:      Paul  before  Festus.     His  appeal  to  Caesar. 

Characters:      Jesus,  Festus,  high  priest,  Paul,  Caesar,  Agrippa,  Bernice. 

Conclusion:  It  is  nothing  for  the  most  excellent  ones  of  the  earth  to  have  all 
manner  of  evil  said  against  them  falsely  for  Christ's  sake  and  to  be  repre- 
sented even  in  courts  as  odious  and  harmful  to  society.  Nevertheless  God 
is  able  to  make  men's  worldly  policies  serve  His  own  purpose  (Psa.  76:10), 
and  when  enemies  think  to  block  the  gates  of  the  Gospel,  He  is  able  to 
open  them  wider. 

Key  WTord:      Falsely  accused,  vv.  5,  7. 

Strong  Verses:      11. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  19.  What  Paul  affirmed  concerning  Jesus  Christ,  that  He 
is  alive,  is  a  matter  of  such  vast  importance,  that  if  it  be  not  true,  we  are 
all  undone.  Yet  many  men  today  treat  the  subject  slightly  as  did  this 
Roman. 

CHAPTER   TWENTY-SIX 

Contents:      Paul's  defense  before  Agrippa. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Paul,  Agrippa,  Satan,  Festus,  Bernice,  Caesar. 

Conclusion:      When  God's  servant  is  given  a  chance  to  speak  for  himself,  it  is 
well  if  he  may  speak  for  Christ  instead,  nor  need  he  be  ashamed  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ  in  any  company.      Though  they  answer  with  scorn  and 
contempt,  it  is  certain  that  God  will  in  some  way  use  the  testimony  for  I 
glory. 

Key  Word:      Defense,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      8,  18,  28,  29. 


Page  Forty-Two  ACTS 

Striking  Facts:  v.  23.  Three  great  Gospel  fundamentals  to  be  continually 
emphasized.  1.  That  Jesus  Christ  was  appointed  to  suffering  and  the 
cross.  2.  That  He  should  be  the  chief  of  the  resurrection,  making  way 
for  the  resurrection  of  the  saints.  3.  That  He  arose  to  show  a  light  to 
those  in  darkness,  and  by  the  power  of  His  resurrection  to  give  convincing 
proof  of  the  truth  of  His  doctrine. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-SEVEN 

Contents:  Paul  sent  to  Rome.  The  hurricane.  God's  assurance  to  Paul  in 
the  storm,  and  his  safe  landing. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Paul,  Julius,  centurion,  angel,  Caesar. 

Conclusion:  Worldly  men  insist  on  being  guided  by  human  prudence,  but  the 
Christian  who  is  in  communion  with  Jesus,  the  great  Pilot,  may  know  more 
about  sailing  than  any  unpraying  Captain  could  ever  know.  Since  God  has 
promised  to  be  faithful  to  His  own  in  the  storms,  let  them  be  cheerful  in 
the  storms,  knowing  that  while  He  has  work  for  them  to  do,  no  difficulty 
can  get  in  the  way. 

Key  Word:      Storm,  v.  14. 

Strong  Verses:      23,  25. 

Striking  Facts:  What  Paul  was  in  the  ship,  Christians  should  be  in  the  world. 
If  Christ  is  the  senior  member  of  our  firm,  we  shall  be  able  in  the  midst 
of  the  storms  of  earth  to  take  upon  ourselves  great  responsibilities,  and 
by  the  power  of  prayer  to  save  many  a  situation  to  the  glory  of  God. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-EIGHT 

Contents:  The  landing  at  Melita.  Miracle  of  the  viper's  bite.  Healing  of 
Publius'  father.  Paul's  arrival  at  Rome  and  his  ministry  there  to  the  Jews. 
Paul  turns  to  the  Gentiles. 

Characters:  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Publius,  Captain,  Centurion,  soldier, 
Caesar,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  Wherever  in  the  providence  of  God  the  Christian  is  put,  he  is 
placed  there  to  do  a  work  for  God  and  to  represent  Jesus  Christ.  Blessing 
may  come  to  thousands  out  of  seeming  calamity  that  befalls  God's  true 
servants.  God's  ways  are  past  finding  out,  but  let  His  servant  be  confident 
always  in  His  promises  and  ready  to  do  every  good  work  wherever  the 
waves  of  events  may  land  him. 

KeyWord:      Healing  (v.  9)  and  teaching  (v.  31). 

Strong  Verses:      25,  26,  27,  28. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  31.  Paul  stuck  to  his  text  "Jesus  Christ"  to  the  end.  Let 
those  who  are  tempted  to  diverge  from  that  which  is  their  main  business — 
to  "preach  not  ourselves  but  Christ" — ask  themselves  of  what  concern  it 
is  to  Jesus  Christ  and  His  kingdom,  to  preach  anything  but  HIM. 


EPISTLE  TO  THE  ROMANS  Page  Forty-Three 

ROMANS 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Justification  16  1:17       Lord  of  Righteousness 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Justification  is  by  faith 
without  works,  and  is 

Paul  About  A.  D.   60  the       righteousness      of 

Christ  imputed  to  the 
believer,  wherein  he  is 
made  eternally  safe. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Words  of  comfort  to  the  church  at  Rome.  The  universe  a  revela- 
tion of  the  power  and  deity  of  God.  The  deplorable  condition  of  a  lost 
world. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  God  has  made  Himself  known  to  all  men  by  the  things  of  His 
creation.  Though  men  know  He  exists  and  might  infer  that  it  was  their 
duty  to  worship  Him  only,  they  glorify  Him  not  as  God,  but  ascribe  deity 
to  the  most  contemptible  of  creatures  and  give  themselves  over  to  vile  affec- 
tions. Those  who  thus  dishonor  Him,  will  be  given  up  eventually  to  dis- 
honor themselves. 

Key  Word:      Carnality,   v.    24. 

Strong  Verses:      4,   16,   19,  20,  21. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  4.  The  demonstration  of  the  deity  of  Jesus  Christ  is  His 
resurrection  from  the  dead.  The  sign  of  the  prophet  Jonah  (Matt.  12:39) 
was  intended  for  the  last  conviction.  Those  who  will  not  be  convinced 
by  that  will  not  be  convinced  by  anything. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  The  equal  standing  of  Jew  and  Gentile  before  the  justice  of  God. 
Morality  apart  from  Christ  useless  as  means  of  salvation.  Jews  knowing 
the  law  condemned  by  the  law. 

Characters:      God. 

Conclusion:  All  men,  Jew  or  Gentile,  good  or  bad,  are  under  doom  for  break- 
ing the  righteous  law  of  God — the  heathen  who  are  sinners  and  know  it — 
(1:18-32) — the  self-righteous  who  think  they  need  no  salvation  (2:1-11), 
and  the  religionist  who  makes  a  mere  profession  (2:17-29)  all  stand  on 
the  same  level  before  the  justice  of  God  and  all  in  need  of  the  salvation 
God  has  provided. 

Key  Word:      No  partiality   (No  respect  of  persons )v.   11. 

Strong  Verses:      4,   6,   7,   8,   11,   12. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  4.  The  riches  of  His  goodness  are  described  in  Eph,  1:7 — • 
"redemption  through  the  blood  of  Christ  and  forgiveness  of  sins  according 
to  the  riches  of  His  grace."  However  moral  or  religious  a  man  be,  if  he 
has  despised  this  divine  plan  he  is  lost. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  The  common  guilt  of  both  Jew  and  Gentile.  Justification  by  faith, 
not  by  the  law. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus. 

Conclusion:  The  sum  of  all  sin  is  coming  short  of  the  glory  of  God  for  which 
we  were  created — therefore  all  the  world  stands  guilty  before  God,  unable 
by  any  works  to  gain  acceptance  with  God.  Justification  before  God  is 
resolved  thereby  purely  into  the  free  grace  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ 
to  all  who  will  receive  it  as  a  free  gift. 

Key  Word:      All   under   sin,   v.    9. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  10,  11,  12,  20,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26. 

Striking  Facts:      v.  22.      The  gospel  excludes  none  that  do  not  exclude  them- 


Page  Forty-Four  ROMANS 

selves  by  refusing  to  appropriate  the  finished  work  of  Jesus  Christ.  The 
best  brand  of  self-righteousness  will  not  stand  before  God.  We  must  wear 
the  righteousness  which  God  has  ordained  and  which  is  brought  in  by 
His  Son.  All  men  alike  are  welcome  to  God  through  Jesus  Christ.  He 
has  but  one  plan  of  salvation. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:      Abraham  justified  by  faith,  not  works.     Justifying  faith  defined. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Abraham,  David,  Sarah. 

Conclusion:  No  man  can  pretend  to  merit  eternal  life,  nor  show  any  worth 
in  his  work  which  may  answer  such  a  reward.  Disclaiming  any  pretension 
he  must  cast  himself  wholly  upon  the  free  grace  of  God  by  faith  in  the 
redemptive  work  of  Jesus  Christ.  To  such  a  one  faith  is  counted  for 
righteousness. 

Key  Word:      Justifying  faith,  v.  5. 

Strong  Verses:      5,  7,  8,  16,  25. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  24-25.  Christ's  death  and  resurrection  are  the  two  main 
hinges  on  which  the  door  of  salvation  turns.  He  was  delivered  as  our 
sacrifice  for  sin.  He  was  raised  for  the  perfecting  and  completing  of  our 
justification. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  The  results  of  justification.  Life  and  righteousness  through  Jesus 
Christ. 

Characters:      God,   Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Adam,   Moses. 

Conclusion:  Justification  through  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  takes  away  guilt  and 
so  makes  way  for  peace,  and  gives  access  into  the  wondrous  grace  of  God. 
Through  Jesus  Christ  alone  the  believer  comes  into  fullness  of  joy,  being 
saved  from  wrath,  solaced  in  His  love,  not  only  going  to  heaven,  but  go- 
ing triumphantly. 

Key  Word:      Justification,  v.   1. 

Strong  Verses:      1,   5,   6,   8,   10,   19. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  10.  The  dying  Jesus  laid  the  foundation,  satisfying  for 
sin,  but  it  is  the  living  Jesus  that  perfects  the  work — He  lives  to  make 
intercession.  By  His  death  He  saves  from  penalty — by  His  life  from  the 
power  of  sin. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:  Deliverance  from  the  power  of  indwelling  sin  by  counting  the  old 
life  dead,  and  yielding  to  the  new  life. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  It  is  an  abuse  of  the  grace  of  God  in  Christ  for  the  believer  to 
think  he  can  sin  because  he  is  justified  by  faith.  We  must  cease  from 
the  acts  of  sin,  denying  the  fleshly  life  the  scepter  over  us,  and  surrender 
the  soul  to  the  conduct  and  command  of  the  righteous  law  of  God  that  our 
members  may  be  instruments  of  righteousness  unto  God. 

Key  Word:      Dead  to  sin,  v.   2. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  4,  6,  11,  12,  13,  16,  22,  23. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  3-6.  The  manner  of  Christ's  baptism  is  a  figure  of  the 
believer's  spiritual  burial  and  resurrection.  Immersion  symbolizes  the 
entrance  by  the  gateway  of  Christ's  death  into  the  domain  of  His  right- 
eousness and  resurrection  life,  and  is  the  expression  of  the  baptized  one's 
faith  that  God  has  taken  him  from  among  the  dead  and  given  him  new- 
ness of  life. 

CHAPTER  SEVEN 

Contents:  The  conflict  of  the  flesh  with  the  spiritual  nature.  Impossibility 
of  victory  through  the  law. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  function  of  the  law  is  to  detect  and  condemn  sin,  not  to 
deliver  from  it.  In  the  life  of  the  believer  there  will  ever  be  conflict  be- 
tween grace  and  corruption  fn  the  heart,  between  the  law  of  God  and  the 
law  of  sin.  Who  shall  deliver  us?  Jesus  Christ  is  the  all-sufficient  Saviour 
and  Friend,  who  has  not  only  purchased  our  deliverance,  but  is  our  advo- 
cate in  Heaven,  through  Whom  we  may  be  made  victorious. 


ROMANS  Page  Forty-Five 

Key  Word:      Sold  under  sin,  v.  14. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  12,  13,  23,  24,  25. 

Striking  Facts:  The  believer  upon  acceptance  of  Christ  receives  a  spiritual 
nature  which  begins  at  once  strife  with  the  Adamic  nature,  which  is  not 
eradicated  until  we  stand  in  Christ's  presence.  The  strife  is  effectually 
taken  up  on  the  believer's  behalf  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  if  the  believer 
will  but  yield  to  Him  in  the  hour  of  conflict,  He  will  take  the  victory 
(8:2;  Gal.  5:16-17). 

CHAPTER  EIGHT 

Contents:  The  new  law  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  believer,  giving  deliverance 
from  sinful  nature.  The  full  result  of  the  Gospel  in  the  believer  and  his 
security. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  It  is  the  unspeakable  comfort  of  all  those  who  are  in  Christ 
Jesus  that  no  condemnation  remains  to  them,  and  that  the  indwelling 
Spirit  does  in  the  believer  what  the  law  never  could  do.  He  gives  deliv- 
erance from  the  power  of  sin,  quickens  for  service,  imparts  assurance,  and 
inspires  prayer. 

Key  Word:      Made  free,  v.   2. 

Strong  Verses:      1,   2,   14,   16,  18,   26,  28,   31,   32,   34,   35,   38,   39. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  26,  34.  The  security  of  the  believer  as  to  the  Denalty 
of  sin  rests  upon  the  one  foundation  of  Christ's  finished  work  (v.  32)  and 
His  intercession  in  heaven  for  the  believer.  The  believer's  security  against 
the  power  of  sin  is  the  present  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  within  him  and  His 
intercession  for  us.  Notice  the  two  intercessors. 

CHAPTER  NINE 

Contents:  Covenants  of  Israel  not  set  aside  by  Gospel.  The  seven-fold  priv- 
ilege of  Israel.  The  blinding  of  Israel  and  God's  mercy  to  the  Gentiles. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Abraham,  Sarah,  Isaac,  Moses,  Pharaoh, 
Paul,  Rebecca,  Isaiah. 

Conclusion:  God  is  absolute  sovereign  in  disposing  of  the  children  of  men  with 
reference  to  their  eternal  state.  He  dispenses  His  gifts  to  whom  He  will 
without  giving  us  His  reasons,  but  we  may  rest  assured  He  is  a  competent 
judge.  Gentiles  are  permitted  by  Him,  by  the  short  cut  of  believing  in 
Christ,  to  attain  to  that  for  which  the  Jews  had  long  been  "beating  about 
the  bush,"  but  lost  because  of  sin  and  unbelief. 

Key  Word:      Election,  v.  11. 

Strong  Verses:      20,    21,    33. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  33.  It  is  sad  that  the  foundation  stone  should  be  to  any 
a  stone  of  stumbling,  and  the  rock  of  salvation  a  rock  of  offense,  but  so 
He  was  to  the  Jews,  and  is  still  to  multitudes.  Those  who  do  believe,  how- 
ever, shall  not  be  ashamed,  for  their  expectations  in  Him  shall  never  be  dis- 
appointed. 

CHAPTER  TEN 

Contents:      Israel's  failure  explained  by  unbelief.     The  plan  of  salvation. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Moses,  Isaiah,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  Sincerity  is  not  a  ground  of  safety;  self-righteousness  is  not  a 
ground  of  salvation.  The  design  of  the  law  was  to  lead  people  to  Christ, 
Who  is  the  end  of  it,  and  the  only  ground  for  salvation  is  to  become  inter- 
ested by  humble  faith  in  Christ's  satisfaction  of  the  law,  and  so  be  "justi- 
fied through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus." 

Key  Word:      Salvation,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  4,  9,  10,  11,  12,  13,  17. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  4.  The  law  is  not  destroyed  by  the  Gospel,  but  full  satis- 
faction being  made  to  the  law  by  Jesus  Christ  (no  one  else  could),  for  our 
breach  of  the  law,  the  end  is  attained,  and  we  are  put  in  another  way  of 
justification,  even  faith  in  His  finished  work. 

CHAPTER  ELEVEN 

Contents:      A  spiritual  Israel  finding  salvation.     National  Israel  blinded.    Warn- 
ing to  Gentiles.     Israel  yet  to  be  saved  nationally. 
Characters:      God,  Jesus,   Paul,   Elijah,   David,  Abraham. 


Page  Forty-Six  ROMANS 

Conclusion:  The  Jews,  at  present  cast  off  because  of  unbelief,  will  in  due  time 
as  a  people  be  taken  into  God's  favor  again,  when  the  fullness  of  the  Gen- 
tiles be  come  in  and  when  the  Deliverer  (Christ)  shall  have  appeared  again. 
As  a  people  they  are  for  this  age  judicially  blinded,  although  there  is  a 
remnant  according  to  faith  in  Christ.  The  Gentiles  grafted  into  the 
Church  must  not  trample  upon  the  Jews  as  a  reprobate  people,  but  remem- 
ber that  the  law  of  faith  excludes  all  boasting,  either  of  ourselves  or 
against  others. 

Key  Word:      Israel,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:       12,  18,  21,  22,  25,  26,  32,  33,  36. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  25-26.  The  Church  is  a  people  taken  from  the  Gentiles 
(Acts  15:14)  and  is  a  "full  destined  number"  (Rev.  7:9).  When  the  "full- 
ness of  the  Gentiles"  (not  world  conversion)  is  brought  in,  Christ  is  com- 
ing again,  and  will  be  soon  manifested  as  Israel's  long  looked-for  Deliverer. 

CHAPTER  TWELVE 

Contents:      Christian  life  and  service.     Consecration  to  Christ. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  Since  we  have  been  justified  through  grace,  by  faith  in  Christ, 
it  is  our  first  duty  to  surrender  ourselves  to  God  a  living  sacrifice,  that 
there  may  be  a  saving  change  wrought  in  us  and  that  we  might  be  made 
serviceable  in  every  way  to  our  fellow  men.  We  stand  in  relation  not 
only  to  Christ,  but  to  one  another  in  Christ,  and  we  are  engaged  to  do 
all  the  good  we  can  one  to  another  and  to  act  in  conjunction  for  the  com- 
mon benefit. 

Key  Word:      Consecration   (present  bodies),  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  2,  4,  5,   10,   12,  13,  19,  21. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  1.  The  reference  to  "sacrifice"  no  doubt  connects  Lev. 
1:6-9.  The  burnt  offering  typifies  Christ  offering  Himself  to  God  in  perfect 
devotion  to  the  Father's  will.  The  offerer  or  the  Priest  got  nothing  of 
it — it  was  all  devoted  to  God.  So  the  believer  is  to  live  a  life  completely 
dedicated  to  Him — in  which  He  has  absolute  right  of  way. 

CHAPTER  THIRTEEN 

Contents:  Believer's  attitude  toward  civil  government.  Law  of  love  toward 
neighbors. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  Obedience  to  civil  magistrates  is  one  of  the  laws  of  Christ  whose 
religion  makes  people  good  subjects.  Love  to  our  fellow-men  is  a  debt 
that  must  always  be  in  the  paying,  yet  always  owing,  for  love  is  inclusive 
of  all  duties  and  is  the  image  of  Christ  upon  the  soul. 

Key  Word:      Subjection,  v.  1,  and  love,  v.  8. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  7,  8,  10,  14. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  14.  Victory  over  the  flesh  may  be  always  ours  through 
personal  dealings  with  Christ.  To  "put  on  Christ"  is  not  imitation  of 
Christ,  but  appropriation  of  Him.  "Christ  liveth  in  me" — is  the  victory — 
and  if  He  has  the  right  of  way  in  us,  we  will  make  no  provisions  for  satis- 
fying the  flesh. 

CHAPTER  FOURTEEN 

Contents:      Law  of  love  concerning  doubtful  things. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  To  do  what  conscience  allows  is  not  always  right  and  to  do  what 
it  questions  is  always  wrong.  The  strong  Christian  should  not  be  con- 
temptuous toward  the  opinion  of  a  weaker  brother  on  a  doubtful  question, 
neither  should  the  weaker  man  be  censorious  toward  the  stronger  because 
of  what  conscience  allows  him.  Both  have  a  right  to  opinion  and  both 
are  responsible  to  God  for  it. 

Key  Word:      Judging,  vv.    4,   10. 

Strong  Verses:      4,   5,   7,   8,   10,   12,   17. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  8-9.  To  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  Whom  all  judgment  is 
committed,  we  are  to  do  everything.  To  this  end,  He  both  died  and  arose, 
that  He  might  be  Lord  of  those  who  are  living  to  rule  them,  and  Lord  of 
the  dead  to  raise  them  up.  We  are  therefore,  answerable  to  Him  in  every- 


ROMANS  Page  Forty-Seven 

thing.     Let  us  not  intrench  upon  His  right  by  arraigning  our  brothers  at 
our  own  bar. 

CHAPTER  FIFTEEN 

Contents:  Jewish  and  Gentile  believers  under  one  salvation.  Paul  speaks  of 
His  ministry  and  coming  journey. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Isaiah. 

Conclusion:  The  self-denial  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  the  best  argument 
against  the  selfishness  of  Christians.  Let  us  not  consult  our  own  credit, 
ease,  safety  or  pleasure,  but  give  ourselves  as  He  did,  to  bearing  the  infirmi- 
ties of  the  weak,  whether  they  be  Jew  or  Gentile,  agreeable  or  disagreeable, 
and  striving  to  be  likeminded  in  the  Gospel  to  the  glory  of  God. 

Key  Word:      Gospel  unity,  v.   5. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  4,  13. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  5.  "According  to  Christ  Jesus."  Let  Jesus  Christ  be  the 
center  of  your  unity.  If  in  tune  with  Him,  we  will  surely  be  in  tune  with 
each  other,  and  we  shall  agree  in  truth  rather  than  in  error. 

CHAPTER  SIXTEEN 

Contents:      The  outflow  of  Christian  love.     Closing  salutations  and  benediction. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Paul,  many  of  the  gospel  helpers,  Satan. 

Conclusion:     Courtesy  and  Christianity  go  together.     Acknowledgment  of  favors 

and  greetings  of  love  are  returns  we  should  make  to  our  fellow  laborers  in 

the  Gospel  for  their  joy  and  encouragement. 
Key  Word:      Greetings,  v.   3,  etc. 
Strong  Verses:      17,  18,  20. 
Striking  Facts:      vv.  17-18.     Mark  the  believers  attitude  toward  men  who  bring 

in  doctrines  contrary  to  Jesus  Christ.     We  are  to  MARK  them    (See  Isa. 

8:20).     We  are  to  AVOID  them  (2  Tim.  3:5;  2  John  10).     We  are  not  to 

go  to  listen  to  them,  nor  admit  them  into  the  house  to  argue  with  them. 

This  is  the  Scriptural  plan  for  resisting  their  teachings. 


Page  Forty-Eight  FIRST  EPISTLE  TO  CORINTHIANS 

I.    CORINTHIANS 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

God's  Power  16  1:2  First   fruits  of 

the  dead. 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Jesus    Christ    our     risen 
Lord     is    Head     of     the 

Paul  A.  D.    59  Body    working    through 

His  people  by  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Christians'  position  in  grace.  The  unspiritual  condition  of  the 
Corinthian  saints.  Danger  of  following  human  leaders  and  exulting  in 
human  wisdom. 

Characters:  God,  Jesus,  Paul,  Sosthenes,  Apollos,  Cephas,  Chloe,  Crispus, 
Gaius,  Stephanas. 

Conclusion:  The  consideration  of  being  agreed  in  the  great  fundamentals  of 
the  faith  should  have  extinguished  all  feuds  and  divisions  about  unessential 
points.  Though  there  is  not  unity  of  sentiment,  let  there  ever  be  unity  of 
affection  in  the  Church. 

It  is  just  with  God  to  leave  those  to  themselves  who  pour  proud  con- 
tempt on  divine  wisdom  and  grace.  The  way  to  divine  light  is  to  put 
out  your  own  candle. 

Key  Word:      Human  wisdom,  vv.  17,  18.     Contentions,  v.  11. 

Strong  Verses:      9,   18,   21,   27,   28,   30. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  23.  The  plain  preaching  of  a  crucified  Jesus  is  more  power- 
ful than  all  the  oratory  and  philosophy  of  an  unbelieving  world.  All  the 
boasted  science  of  the  world  cannot  do  -for  souls  what  "Christ  crucified" 
does.  All  one  needs,  or  can  desire,  they  may  have  in  Him  (vv.  30-31). 
He  is  made  wisdom  to  the  foolish,  righteousness  to  the  guilty,  sanctifica- 
tion  to  the  corrupt,  and  redemption  to  those  who  are  in  bonds. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Christian  revelation  not  indebted  to  human  wisdom.  Spiritual  veri- 
ties not  discoverable  to  human  wisdom. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  Christian  on  his  knees  can  see  farther  than  the  philosopher 
on  his  tiptoes,  for  spiritual  truth  can  be  perceived  only  by  the  spiritually 
prepared  mind.  The  truths  of  God  are  foolishness  and  trifling  to  a  carnal 
mind.  The  only  way  to  understand  spiritual  truth  is  to  yield  to  the  Author 
of  it,  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Key  Word:      Spiritual  wisdom,  v.  10. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  9,  10,  11,  14. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  2.  "Christ  and  Him  crucified"  is  the  sum  and  substance 
of  the  Gospel.  To  display  the  banner  of  the  cross  and  invite  people  under 
it  should  be  the  principal  business  of  the  ministers. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  Hindrance  of  a  carnal  state  to  spiritual  growth.  Christian  service 
and  its  reward. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Apollos,  Cephas. 

Conclusion:  Our  salvation  rests  solely  upon  the  completed  work  of  Jesus 
Christ,  but  rewards  are  to  be  earned  by  spiritual  service  for  God,  and  will 
be  according  to  the  quality  of  our  works.  True  service  done  in  the  power 
of  the  indwelling  Spirit,  is  of  eternal  standing,  but  fleshly  service  is  per- 
ishable and  will  bring  the  Christian  loss  of  reward  at  the  final  day. 

Key  Word:      Labor,  reward,  v.    8. 

Strong  Verses:      9,   11,   13,   16,   19,   23. 


FIRST  CORINTHIANS  Page  Forty-Nine 

Striking  Facts:  v.  11.  The  doctrine  of  Jesus  Christ  and  His  mediation  is  the 
principal  doctrine  of  Christianity.  Those  who  build  hopes  of  heaven  on 
any  other  foundation  build  upon  sinking  sands,  v.  23.  Those  who  would 
be  safe  for  time  and  happy  for  eternity,  must  be  Christ's. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:      Judgment  of   Christ's  servants  not   committed  to   man.      Apostolic 

example  of  patience  and  humility. 
Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Apollos,  Timothy. 
Conclusion:      God's  steward  awaits  no  judgment  of  man,  but  stands  or  falls  by 

his  Master's  judgment — his  standard  being  fidelity  to  God,  not  popularity 

with  men. 

Key  Word:      Judging,  v.  3. 
Strong  Verses:      2,   5,   20. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:      Immorality  rebuked  and  discipline  enjoined. 

Characters:      Christ,    Paul,    Satan. 

Conclusion:  The  heinous  sins  of  professed  Christians  are  quickly  noted  and 
noised  abroad  to  the  injury  of  Christ's  cause.  Let  the  believer  walk  cir- 
cumspectly, for  many  eyes  are  upon  him,  and  if  he  will  not  do  so  let  the 
Church  have  no  fellowship  with  him. 

Key  Word:      Fornication,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      7,    8. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  7-8.  Christ  was  the  fulfillment  of  the  Jewish  Passover. 
After  the  lamb  was  killed  they  kept  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread.  So 
must  we,  not  only  seven  days,  but  all  our  days.  The  world  life  of  the 
Christian  must  be  one  of  "unleavened  bread" — sincerity  and  truth. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:  Saints  forbidden  to  go  to  law  with  each  other.  Sanctity  of  the 
body.  The  body  the  Lord's  temple. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit. 

Conclusion:  Contention  of  Christians  before  the  law  is  much  to  the  reproach 
of  Christianity.  It  is  a  forgetting  of  their  real  dignity  as  Christians  to 
carry  little  matters  about  the  things  of  life  before  heathen  magistrates. 

The  question  of  a  life  of  victory  over  sin  that  will  glorify  God  will  be 
settled  by  the  believer  recognizing  to  Whom  he  belongs  and  yielding  to  the 
Divine  Guest  Who  resides  within  him.  Consecration  is  letting  Christ  and 
the  Holy  Spirit  have  what  belongs  to  them. 

Key  Word:      Going  to  law,  v.  1.      The  Body,  v.  15. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  11,   12,   15,   17,   19,  20. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  20.  Christ  has  purchased  the  believer,  body,  soul  and 
spirit  by  His  own  blood.  Let,  us  therefore,  be  careful  what  we  do  with 
another's  property.  Let  our  bodies  be  kept  as  His  whose  they  are  and  fit 
for  His  use  and  residence. 

CHAPTER  SEVEN 

Contents:  Sanctity  of  marriage.  Regulation  of  marriage  among  Gentile  be- 
lievers. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  Marriage  is  by  divine  wisdom  prescribed  for  the  preventing  of 
fornication.  Man  and  wife  cannot  separate  at  pleasure,  nor  for  any  other 
cause  than  what  Christ  allows,  for  it  is  a  divine  institution  and  is  a  com- 
pact for  life  by  God's  appointment.  Even  though  a  Christian  has  been 
united  to  an  unbeliever,  before  having  accepted  Christ,  they  are  one  flesh, 
they  are  to  abide  together  and  the  believing  one  is  to  be  sanctified  for  the 
sake  of  the  unbelieving  one. 

Key  Word:      Marriage,  v.   9. 

Strong  Verses:      20,    21,   22,   23,    24,    39. 

CHAPTER  EIGHT 

Contents:      Meats  offered  to  idols,  and  the  limitations  of  Christians'  liberty. 
Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  There  is  nothing  in  the  distinction  of  food  that  will  make  any  dis- 
tinction between  men  in  God's  account,  and  the  Christian  is  free  to  eat  that 


Page  Fifty  FIRST  CORINTHIANS 

which   the   conscience   allows.      Nevertheless   he  must   be   careful   how   he 

uses  this  liberty,  lest  it  be  the  occasion  of  stumbling  or  hazzard  the  ruin 

of  one  younger  and  weaker  in  the  faith. 
Key  Word:      Christian  liberty,  v.  9. 
Strong  Verses:      2,  3,  6,  9,  13. 
Striking  Facts:      v.  12.      Injuries  done  to  Christians  are  injuries  done  to  Christ 

— especially  to  babes  in  Christ — weak  Christians. 

CHAPTER  NINE 

Contents:  Paul  vindicates  his  apostleship.  The  method  and  reward  of  true 
ministry  and  the  support  of  the  ministry. 

Characters:      God,  Jesus,  Cephas,  Barnabas,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  It  is  no  new  thing  for  ministers  of  Christ  to  meet  with  the  worst 
treatment  where  they  might  expect  the  best.  Those  who  enjoy  benefits 
by  the  ministry  of  the  Word  should  not  grudge  the  maintenance  of  those 
who  are  employed  in  this  work.  It  is  to  the  praise  of  a  minister,  never- 
theless, to  prefer  the  success  of  his  ministry  and  the  salvation  of  souls,  to 
his  own  interest  and  to  deny  himself  that  he  may  serve  Christ. 

Key  Word:      Ministry,  v.  2. 

Strong  Verses:       14,  19,  22,  24. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  27.  The  word  "castaway"  is  literally  "disapproved,"  and  so 
translated  in  other  places.  He  is  not  expressing  fear  that  he  may  fail 
of  salvation  but  is  speaking  of  service,  and  the  possibility  through  unfaith- 
fulness, of  being  laid  on  the  shelf. 

CHAPTER  TEN 

Contents:  Israel  in  the  wilderness,  a  warning  example.  Fellowship  of  the 
Lord's  table  demands  separation.  Law  of  love  in  relation  to  eating  and 
drinking. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  We  should  take  warning  from  those  who  have  gone  before  us, 
that  carnal  desires  are  the  source  and  root  of  much  sin  and  if  not  checked 
we  know  not  whither  they  will  carry  us. 

To  partake  of  the  Lord's  table  is  to  profess  to  be  in  friendship  and 
fellowship  with  Him,  and  communion  with  Christ  and  communion  with 
Satan  can  never  be  had  at  once.  Therefore  let  us  aim  in  eating,  drinking 
and  in  all  we  do,  to  glorify  God. 

Key  Word:      Temptation,   v.    13.      Communion,   vv.    16,   21. 

Strong  Verses:       11,  12,  13,  16,  20,  23,  31,  33. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  16.  The  ceremony  of  the  Lord's  supper  is  a  token  whereby 
we  professedly  hold  communion  with  Him  whose  body  was  broken  and 
blood  shed  to  procure  remission  of  our  sins  and  the  favor  of  God.  vv.  3,  4. 
He  is  that  Bread  which  came  down  from  heaven.  He  is  the  Rock  out  of 
which  refreshing  streams  come  to  the  believer.  It  is  impossible  to  be  in 
alliance  with  Him  without  being  devoted  to  Him. 


CHAPTER  ELEVEN 

Contents:  Christian  order  and  the  Lord's  supper.  Meaning  of  the  Lord's 
table. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  Lord's  supper  is  a  memorial  of  His  finished  atonement,  a 
parable  of  His  present  fellowship  with  His  own  and  a  prophecy  of  His  sec- 
ond coming.  The  ordinances  of  Christ  are  very  solemn  and  if  they  do  not 
do  our  souls  good,  will  do  us  harm.  Let  it  not  be  eaten  carelessly  or  with 
an  insincere  heart  for  it  will  turn  to  no  account,  but  to  increase  guilt  and 
bring  condemnation. 

Key  Word:      Covered   heads,  v.    4.      Lord's  supper,  v.   20. 

Strong  Verses:      3,   19,   23-27,   31,    32. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  25.  New  covenant.  These  outward  signs  express  the  new 
covenant  in  Christ — His  body  broken,  His  blood  shed,  the  benefits  which 
flow  from  His  death  and  sacrifice.  His  blood  is  the  seal  and  sanction  of 
all  the  privileges  of  the  new  covenant. 


FIRST  CORINTHIANS  Page  Fifty-One 

CHAPTER  TWELVE 

Contents:      Spiritual  gifts  in  the  Body  of  Christ,  for  ministry  and  worship. 

Characters:      God,   Jesus,  Holy  Spirit,   Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  Body  of  Christ  in  the  world  is  for  the  service  for,  and  man- 
ifestation of  Christ,  and  the  Body  is  to  serve  the  Head,  whose  Body  we 
are.  The  gifts  and  graces  of  the  members  of  the  Body  greatly  differ,  but 
are  freely  given  of  God  through  the  Holy  Spirit.  Since  all  powers  in  the 
members  proceed  from  the  Holy  Ghost,  no  member  may  boast  against 
another,  and  no  member,  however  insignificant,  may  consider  himself  un- 
essential, but  is  equally  obligated  to  be  yielded  to  the  Spirit. 

Key  Word:      Gifts,  vv.   1,    30. 

Strong  Verses:      3,   7,   13,   20,   21,   22,   26,   27. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  13.  The  baptism  with  the  Spirit  forms  the  Body  by  unit- 
ing believers  to  Christ,  the  risen  and  glorified  Head,  and  to  each  other. 
Regeneration  is  a  participation  in  the  baptism  of  Pentecost  when  the 
Body  of  Christ  was  first  organized. 

CHAPTER  THIRTEEN 

Contents:  Love,  the  supreme  gift  of  the  Spirit,  and  its  governing  power  over 
other  gifts. 

Characters:      Paul. 

Conclusion:  Love  alone  can  give  value  to  any  service  rendered  in  Christ's 
name,  and  it  is  therefore  the  supreme  gift  of  the  Spirit,  to  be  coveted  and 
prayed  for  above  all  others.  Faith  trusts  and  appropriates,  hope  expects, 
but  love  expresses  Christ  and  blesses  men. 

Key  WTord:      Love,  v.  1   (charity). 

Strong  Verses:      1-3,   12,   13. 

Striking  Facts:  Jesus  Christ  was  the  supreme  expression  of  the  love  of  God 
and  His  divine  love  and  compassion  is  the  gift  of  the  Spirit  to  believers 
who  will  be  yielded  to  Him.  Thinking  of  Jesus  as  "love"  (for  God  is 
love)  substitute  the  name  Jesus  in  place  of  "charity"  and  notice  the  force 
of  the  text.  Can  you  say  "Christ  liveth  in  me?" 

CHAPTER  FOURTEEN 

Contents:  Prophecy  and  speaking  in  tongues.  The  order  of  the  ministry  of 
this  gift  in  the  church. 

Characters:      God,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  That  is  the  best  and  most  eligible  gift  which  best  answers  the 
purposes  of  charity  and  edifies  the  church.  That  which  cannot  be  under- 
stood cannot  edify,  and  such  confusion  is  to  be  avoided  in  the  church.  No 
gift  of  the  Spirit  is  to  be  despised,  and  if  the  gift  of  tongues  is  bestowed, 
it  will  be  with  interpretation  among  two  or  three  brethren,  and  will  result 
in  their  blessing. 

Key  Word:      Gift  of  tongues,  v.   2. 

Strong  Verses:      2,   8,   9,   12,   19,   33. 

Striking  Facts:  All  believers  have  the  Holy  Spirit — 1  Cor.  6:19-20,  not  all 
were  to  have  tongues — 12:28-30.  All  public  display  of  the  gift,  if  it  is 
given  by  the  Spirit,  is  for  edification,  14:5-28,  always  accompanied  by 
interpretation,  14:13,  23-26,  28,  always  under  control,  14:27.  If  accom- 
panied by  confusion,  it  is  not  of  the  Spirit,  14:33-40. 

CHAPTER  FIFTEEN 

Contents:  The  resurrection  of  Christ  and  the  resurrection  of  believers  result- 
ing from  it. 

Characters:      God,    Christ,    Paul,    Cephas,    James,    Adam. 

Conclusion:  The  resurrection  of  Christ,  together  with  His  atoning  work  is 
the  cornerstone  of  all  Christian  doctrine.  It  is  the  evidence  that  sin  has 
been  effectually  put  away,  the  ground  for  saving  faith  and  the  promise 
that  all  united  to  the  Body  of  Christ  shall  be  raised  at  His  coming  to  re- 
ceive a  glorious  body  like  unto  His  own,  and  to  bear  forever  the  image  of 
the  heavenly. 

Key  Word:      Resurrection,  v.  12. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  14,  17,  20,  22,  23,  42,  43,  44,  47,  49,  51,  58. 


Page  Fifty-Two  FIRST  CORINTHIANS 

Striking  Facts:  If  Christ's  body  lies  in  some  nameless  grave,  there  is  no  hope 
for  the  believer,  and  the  Gospel  is  nothing  but  emptiness.  How  do  we 
know  His  sacrifice  for  sin  was  accepted?  How  can  we  hope  for  our  own 
resurrection  and  immortality?  "In  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive"  (v.  22), 
but  notice  that  the  word  "all"  is  defined — "they  that  are  Christ's"  (v.  23). 

CHAPTER  SIXTEEN 

Contents:      Closing  instructions  and  greetings  of  Paul. 

Characters:  Christ,  Paul,  Timothy,  Apollos,  Aquila,  Priscilla,  Stephanas,  For- 
tunatus,  Achaicus. 

Conclusion:  The  Christian  should  lay  by  money  in  store  for  good  uses,  hav- 
ing a  treasury  for  this  purpose — a  stock  for  others  as  well  as  for  them- 
selves. They  should  be  ready  to  every  good  work  as  opportunity  offers, 
whether  it  be  in  giving  or  in  assisting  in  some  other  way  the  servants  of 
Christ. 

Key  Word:      Instruction. 

Strong  Verses:      2,   13. 


SECOND  EPISTLE  TO  CORINTHIANS  Page  Fifty-Three 

II.    CORINTHIANS 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Our   sufficiency          •  13  7:6;    12:9  Our  sufficiency. 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Paul  A.  D.   60  The    Christian    is    God's 

ambassador,  with  a 
spiritual  and  glorious 
ministry,  finding  in 
Christ  consolation  in  all 
his  sufferings  and  suffi- 
ciency for  every  testing. 


SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Paul's  interest  in  the  Corinthian  Christians  and  his  encouragement 
to  them  in  Christ. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Timothy,  Silvanus. 

Conclusion:  Man's  extremity  is  God's  opportunity.  Affliction  to  the  people  of 
God  is  but  a  pruning  knife  to  the  vine  to  prepare  them  for  greater  use- 
fulness to  others.  One  of  the  greatest  evidences  of  God's  love  to  His 
own  is  to  send  them  afflictions  with  grace  to  bear  them. 

Key  Word:      Consolation,  v.  6. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  4,  5,  12. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  5.  When  we  truly  share  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  we  have 
in  Him  peace  in  the  midst  of  it  all,  and  grace  to  bear  it.  The  sufferings  of 
the  Christian  are  the  sufferings  of  Christ.  He  sympathizes  with  His 
members  when  they  suffer  for  His  sake. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Forgiving  those  who  have  fallen  into  sin.  The  ministry  of  the 
Christian. 

Characters:      God,   Christ,   Paul,  Titus,  an  erring  brother,   Satan. 

Conclusion:  When  a  brother  is  truly  penitent  for  his  sin  we  should  not  be  too 
rigid  or  severe  with  him,  lest  it  give  Satan  an  advantage  by  driving  him 
to  despair,  but  we  should  confirm  our  love  to  him  by  forgiving  him  and 
showing  that  our  reproofs  proceeded  from  love  to  his  person  rather  than 
design  to  ruin  him. 

Key  Word:      Forgiveness,   v.    10. 

Strong  Verses:      14,   15,    16. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  15-16.  Unto  some  Christ  becomes  a  savour  of  death  unto 
death.  Because  they  are  willfully  obstinate,  they  are  finally  blinded  and 
hardened  by  it.  They  have  rejected  it  to  eternal  spiritual  death.  To  the 
humble  and  gracious,  His  Gospel  becomes  the  savour  of  life  unto  life, 
quickening  them  who  were  "dead  in  trespasses  and  sins." 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  The  ministry  of  Christ  accredited.  Its  spiritual  and  glorious  char- 
acter. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  True  ministers  are  Christ's  instruments,  for  He  is  the  author  of 
all  good  that  is  in  them  and  His  love  and  His  likeness  are  revealed  in  them 
by  the  Holy  Spirit.  They  are  ministers,  not  merely  of  the  letter  to  read 
the  written  Word  or  to  preach  the  letter  of  the  Gospel  only,  but  ministers 
of  the  Spirit  also.  The  Spirit  accompanies  their  ministrations  and  re- 
veals Christ  through  their  lives. 

Key  Word:      Ministry,  v.  6. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  3,   5,  18. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  18.  Those  who  yield  to  the  working  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
may  be  made  more  and  more  into  the  image  of  Christ  (Rom.  8:29).  The 


Page  Fifty-Four  SECOND  CORINTHIANS 

Holy  Spirit  longs  to  bring  us  into  conformity  to  the  "family  likeness"  even 
before  the  hour  when  we  shall  see  Him  face  to  face  and  be  made  like 
Him. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Truth  taught,  commended  by  the  life.  The  preaching  of  the  Lord- 
ship of  Christ.  The  suffering  of  true  ministers  with  Christ. 

Characters:      God,   Christ,    Paul. 

Conclusion:  A  steadfast  adherence  to  the  truths  of  the  Gospel,  backed  by  con- 
stancy and  sincerity,  will  commend  the  servant  of  God  to  the  opinion  of 
wise  men.  They  should  not  be  of  proud  spirit,  but  realize  that  they  them- 
selves are  but  vessels  of  little  worth  and  in  their  perplexities  for  Christ's 
sake  let  them  know  that  God  is  able  to  support  them  and  in  Him  they 
should  ever  trust  and  hope. 

Key  Word:      Ministry,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  5,  6,  7,  11,  16,  17,  18. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  13-14.  A  great  sustaining  power  for  the  persecuted 
servant  of  Christ  is  the  hope  of  resurrection  through  Him.  This  hope  will 
save  us  from  sinking.  We  know  that  Christ  was  raised  and  His  resurrec- 
tion is  an  earnest  and  assurance  of  ours.  What  reason  has  a  Christian  to 
fear  death  who  dies  in  hope  of  being  raised  by  the  Lord  Jesus? 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  Why  death  has  no  terrors  for  the  Lord's  servant.  The  motive  and 
object  of  ministry  for  Christ. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  servant  of  God  who  has  the  earnest  of  the  Spirit  to  give 
everlasting  grace  and  comfort,  with  a  promise  of  a  glorious  resurrection 
body  and  the  eternal  fellowship  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Himself,  cannot  but 
despise  the  brief  sufferings  and  persecutions  of  this  life,  and  be  constrained 
by  the  love  of  Christ,  manifested  in  the  great  instance  of  His  dying  for 
us,  to  persevere  in  testifying  as  ambassadors  of  heaven,  to  lost  men. 

Key  Word:      Servant's  hope,  v.   1,  and  Motive,  v.   14. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  7,  8,  9,   10,  14,  15,  17,  19,  20,  21. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  21.  Christ  was  "made  sin" — not  a  sinner,  but  sin — a  sin- 
offering  or  sacrifice.  As  He  Who  knew  no  sin  was  made  sin  for  us,  so 
we  who  have  no  righteousness  of  our  own  are  made  the  righteousness  of 
God  in  Him. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:  Paul's  ministry  to  the .  Corinthians.  Appeal  to  separation  and 
cleansing. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  ministers  of  the  Gospel  should  look  upon  themselves  as 
God's  servants  and  act  in  everything  suitably  to  that  character.  As  they 
are  themselves  so  let  them  seek  to  make  the  followers  of  Christ  under 
their  charge,  not  only  by  profession,  but  in  reality,  the  temples  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  dedicated  to  and  employed  for  the  service  of  God  and  separated 
from  all  uncleanness. 

Key  Word:      Separation,  v.  17. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  14,  16,  17. 

CHAPTER  SEVEN 

Contents:  Paul  opens  his  heart  to  the  Corinthians  concerning  purpose  of  his 
former  letter. 

Characters:      God,  Paul,  Titus. 

Conclusion:  The  true  servant  of  God  cannot  but  be  grieved  that  he  must  re- 
buke Christians  for  sin,  nor  can  he  shun  to  make  those  sorry  for  a  season 
whom  he  would  rather  make  glad.  If  the  offenders  will  but  let  their 
sorrow  work  true  repentance,  God's  minister  may  rejoice  in  the  nature  of 
their  sorrow  when  it  is  turned  again  to  joy  that  is  durable. 

Key  Word:      Sorrow  to  repentance,  v.  9. 

Strong    Verses:      10. 


SECOND  CORINTHIANS  Page  Fifty-Five 

CHAPTER  EIGHT 

Contents:  Collection  for  the  poor.  Exhortation  concerning  the  grace  of  giv- 
ing. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Titus. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  truly  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Who  became  poor  for  our 
sakes,  making  us  rich  in  eternal  things,  cannot  but  dedicate  their  temporal 
riches  to  His  disposal  for  the  relief  of  brethren  in  Christ  who  are  in  need. 
His  rewards  for  Christian  liberality  will  be  based  on  the  will  to  do,  rather 
than  the  ability  to  do,  and  He  takes  notice,  not  of  what  we  give,  but  what 
we  have  left. 

Key  Word:      Liberality,  v.  2. 

Strong  Verses:      7,   9,   12,   21. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  9.  Our  Lord  Jesus,  equal  in  power  and  glory  with  the 
Father,  rich  in  all  the  glory  and  blessedness  of  the  upper  world,  yet  for 
our  sakes  became,  literally,  "a  beggar."  We  are  thereby  made  rich  in  the 
blessings  and  promises  of  the  new  covenant  and  the  hopes  of  eternal  life. 
Shall  we  hold  on  to  our  dollars  when  they  are  needed  for  His  cause?  The 
best  arguments  for  Christian  duties  are  those  taken  from  the  love  Christ 
has  manifested  to  us. 

CHAPTER  NINE 

Contents:      Offering  for  the  Jerusalem  saints.     Encouragement  for  givers. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  Our  return  in  blessings  will  be  proportionate  to  what  we  sow.  Let 
our  works  of  charity  be  therefore  done  with  thought  and  prayer,  rather 
than  by  accident,  giving  cheerfully,  not  grudgingly,  being  glad  we  have 
ability  and  opportunity  to  be  charitable.  God  loveth  a  cheerful  giver, 
therefore  no  man  can  be  the  loser  by  doing  that  with  which  God  is  pleased 
for  He  is  able  to  make  His  grace  the  more  abundant  toward  us. 

Key  Word:      Giving,  v.   7. 

Strong  Verses:      6,   7,  8,  15. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  15.  The  one  Gift,  Christ,  outshines  all  others  and  draws 
all  other  divine  gifts  after  it  (Rom.  8:32).  How  can  one  who  is  in  pos- 
session of  the  "unspeakable  gift"  grudge  money  for  His  service? 

CHAPTER  TEN 

Contents:  Vindication  of  Paul's  apostleship,  and  his  appeal  to  Corinthians  as 
brethren  in  Christ. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  servants  of  Christ  should  be  sensible  of  their  own  infirmities, 
thinking  humbly  of  themselves,  keeping  within  their  own  province  and 
careful  to  give  glory  to  God  in  all  their  work.  At  the  same  time  let  them 
not  betray  their  authority  in  Christ.  Believers  should  render  humble 
obedience  to  them  as  men  set  over  them  by  God,  not  comparing  their  per- 
sonal appearance  or  ways  with  other  popular  leaders. 

Key  Word:      Boasting  in  the  Lord,  vv.  8,  17. 

Strong  Verses:      3,   4,    5,    17,    18. 

Striking   Facts: 

CHAPTER  ELEVEN 

Contents:  Paul's  godly  jealousy  for  Christ's  cause.  Warning  against  false 
teachers.  Paul's  enforced  boasting. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Paul,  Satan,  Eve,  Abraham,  Aretas,  governor  of 
Damascus. 

Conclusion:  It  is  no  pleasure  to  a  good  man  to  speak  well  of  himself,  yet  in 
some  cases  it  is  lawful,  namely  when  it  is  for  the  advantage  of  others  or 
for  the  vindication  of  the  cause  of  Christ.  Those  who  boast  in  the  Lord 
can  never  boast  of  what  they  have  done,  though  they  may  glory  in  what 
they  have  suffered  for  His  sake.  Thus  are  false  teachers  distinguished 
from  true,  for  they  boast  of  their  works  and  shun  sufferings. 

Key  Word:      Paul's  glorying,  vv.  10,  30. 

Strong   Verses:      3,    14,    15,    30. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  2.  The  Church  is  the  Bride  of  Christ,  Eph.  5:25-32;  Rev. 
19:6-8;  affianced,  yet  not  married,  yet  as  a  Body.  The  espoused  Bride  is 
often  found  flirting  with  old  lovers  of  the  world,  a  source  of  grief  to  the 
true  Bridegroom. 


Page  Fifty-Six  SECOND  CORINTHIANS 

CHAPTER  TWELVE 

Contents:      God's  dealing  with  Paul. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Titus,  Satan. 

Conclusion:  The  exalted  experiences  of  the  Spirit-filled  Christian  overbalance 
all  he  is  called  upon  to  bear  for  Christ's  sake.  Whom  God  loves,  He  will 
keep  from  being  exalted  above  measure,  and  spiritual  burdens  will  be 
ordered,  with  grace  to  bear  them,  for  the  keeping  down  of  spiritual  pride. 
As  we  communicate  our  experiences  let  us  remember  to  take  notice  of 
what  God  has  done  to  humble  us,  as  well  as  to  advance  us. 

Key  Word:      Glorying    (in  Christ),  v.   5. 

Strong  Verses:      9,   10. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  7,  9.  The  thorns  Christ  wore  for  us  and  with  which  He 
was  crowned,  sanctify  and  make  easy  all  the  thorns  in  the  flesh  we  may 
ever  be  afflicted  with.  His  grace  is  sufficient — and  what  is  health  if  His 
grace  is  not  possessed? 

CHAPTER  THIRTEEN 

Contents:      Closing  exhortations  of  Paul  to  the  Corinthians. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  great  burden  of  God's  faithful  representatives  is  that  the 
Gospel  they  preach  may  be  honored,  however  their  persons  may  be  vilified. 
Their  heavenly  commission  is  verified  through  the  lives  of  those  in  whom 
Christ  is  living  with  power,  having  believed  in  Christ  through  their  min- 
istry. Let  us  examine  ourselves  whether  we  be  in  the  faith. 

Key  Word:      Examine  yourselves,  v.  5. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  5,  8.  11,  14. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  4.  As  Christ  was  crucified  in  weakness,  or  appeared  to 
be  weak  to  men,  but  lives  by  the  power  of  God,  so  His  representatives, 
however  contemptible  they  may  seem  to  some,  yet  are  instruments  mani- 
festing the  power  of  God,  as  proven  by  the  souls  regenerated,  and  will  yet 
be  vindicated  before  all  men,  by  their  resurrection  unto  life  eternal  in 
Christ. 


EPISTLE  TO  GALATIANS  Page  Fifty-Seven 

GALATIANS 


Key  Thought:             Number  of 

Liberty                                        6 

Chapters: 

Key  Verse:              Christ  seen  as: 

3:2                         Our  freedom 

Writer  of  the  Book: 

Paul 

Date: 

A.  D.    60 

Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Christ    is    the    Deliverer 
from  the  law  and  mere 
externalism     and      leads 
into  glorious  liberty. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      The  Gospel  Paul  preached,  a  revelation  not  tradition. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,   Paul,   Peter,  James. 

Conclusion:  The  Gospel  declared  by  the  apostles  was  by  revelation  of  Jesus 
Christ.  It  is  a  Gospel  of  pure  grace,  and  any  message  that  excludes  grace 
or  mingles  legalism  with  grace  as  a  means  of  salvation  in  under  the  curse 
of  God  and  is  to  be  shunned. 

Key  Word:      Paul's  gospel,  v.   7. 

Strong  Verses:      4,   8. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  4.  The  cross  of  the  Lord  Jesus  was  designed  not  only  to 
separate  us  from  the  penalty  of  our  sins,  but  to  separate  us  from  the 
power  of  them.  Shall  we  who  have  been  saved  by  His  grace  deny  Him 
by  plunging  again  into  that  from  which  His  cross  has  forever  delivered  us? 


CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Paul's  journey  to  Jerusalem  and  His  contest  for  the  truth.  Justi- 
fication by  faith  in  Christ  without  works. 

Characters:      Christ,  Paul,  Barnabas,  Titus,  Peter,  James,  Cephas,  John. 

Conclusion:  The  gospel  of  grace  is  one  of  justification  by  faith  in  Christ's 
finished  work  apart  from  deeds  of  the  law.  We  do  not  get  saved  by  our 
works,  but  we  get  saved  and  work.  Those  who  put  themselves  under  the 
law  after  seeking  justification  through  Christ  take  the  place  of  unjustified 
sinners  seeking  to  be  made  righteous  by  law  and  works,  whereas  justifica- 
tion is  wholly  by  faith  and  sanctification  wholly  Christ  living  out  through 
our  lives. 

Key  Word:      Gospel  of  uncircumcision,  v.  7. 

Strong  Verses:      16,    19,   20,   21. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  20.  The  present  aspect  of  our  salvation  is  Christ  living 
in  us  by  His  Holy  Spirit.  God  does  not  ask  us  to  live  the  Christian  life, 
but  wants  us,  by  yieldedness  to  Him  to  let  Christ  live  it  in  us. 


CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  Gift  of  Spirit  by  faith  apart  from  law-works.  Man  under  law- 
works  is  under  the  law  curse.  Christ  bears  the  law  curse  that  we  might 
have  the  faith  blessing.  The  true  intent  of  the  law. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Abraham. 

Conclusion:  The  purpose  of  the  law  was  to  give  to  sin  the  character  of  trans- 
gression and  prove  man  helpless  to  save  himself — not  to  save  man.  Man 
is  therefore  shut  up  to  faith  in  the  work  of  Christ  our  Mediator,  as  the 
only  avenue  of  escape  from  the  penalty  of  a  broken  law,  for  Christ  has 
borne  the  curse  of  the  law  for  us  and  we  become  the  children  of  God 
through  Him,  not  by  any  works  of  our  own. 

Key  Word:      Works  and  faith,  v.  5. 

Strong  Verses:      3,   10,   11,  13,  21,   22,  24,  26. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  13.  What  Christ  suffered  FROM  men  (the  cross)  was 
nothing  to  what  He  suffered  FOR  men.  The  CURSE  of  the  law  was  more 
than  the  CROSS  of  human  suffering.  He  bore  that  curse  to  the  full 


Page  Fifty -Eight  GALATIANS 

as  the  divine  Son  of  God,  redeeming  the  believer,  both  from  the  curse  and 
the  dominion  of  the  law.  Law  therefore  can  neither  justify  a  sinner  nor 
sanctify  a  believer. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Believers  full  redemption  from  the  law.  Sonship  through  the 
Spirit.  Dangers  of  lapsing  into  legality.  Impossibility  of  mixing  law  and 
grace. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Abraham,  Hagar,  Isaac. 

Conclusion:  Law  and  grace  are  an  impossible  mixture,  for  salvation  is  wholly 
by  faith  in  Christ  and  our  sonship  is  immediately  testified  to  in  the  heart 
by  the  incoming  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  upon  the  basis  of  Christ's  finished 
work  as  the  full  satisfaction  of  the  law.  Let  us  not,  therefore,  fall  again 
in  bondage  to  the  legality  of  the  law,  which  is  merely  an  element  of  salva- 
tion to  reveal  to  us  the  inveterate  sinfulness  of  our  nature  and  the  impos- 
sibility of  saving  ourselves. 

Key  Word:      Bondage  and  grace,  vv.  3,  5. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  5,  6. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  4.  Jesus,  who  was  truly  God,  for  our  sakes  became  man. 
He  Who  was  Lord  of  all  took  upon  Himself  the  state  of  subjection  and 
the  form  of  a  servant.  The  one  end  of  all  this  was  to  redeem  those 
under  the  law.  He,  the  perfect  One,  took  what  we  deserve,  that  we,  the 
sinners,  might  get  what  He  deserved. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  Liberty  of  the  believer  in  Christ,  apart  from  the  law.  Conflict  of 
flesh  and  the  Spirit.  Christian  character  the  result  of  the  Spirit's  work 
not  self-effort. 

Characters:      Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  Since  we  are  justified  only  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus,  not  by  the 
righteousness  of  the  law,  let  us  not  again  stand  in  fear  of  and  bondage  to 
legal  ordinances.  While  our  salvation  is  settled  by  the  work  of  Christ, 
the  conflict  of  sin  which  still  wars  in  the  believer's  members,  may  be  set- 
tled by  yieldedness  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  Who  is  present  in  the  believer  to 
subdue  the  fleshly  nature  and  to  bear  heavenly  fruit  through  our  lives. 

Key  Word:      Liberty,  vv.  1,  13.     Flesh  and  Spirit,  v.  16. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  6,   14,   16,  17,  18,  22,  23,  24. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  4.  To  "fall  from  grace"  is  to  fall  back  on  legal  ordinances 
and  mix  law  and  grace.  One  who  is  fallen  from  grace  is  not  a  believer 
who  has  lost  his  salvation  by  failure  to  do  good  works  (the  popular  Meth- 
odist explanation),  but  one  who  is  doing  good  works  and  trusting  in  them 
as  a  means  of  salvation  and  sanctification. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:      The  regenerated  life  as  a  brotherhood  of  believers. 

Characters:      Holy  Spirit,  God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  new  life  in  Christ  Jesus  is  not  simply  one  of  being  good, 
but  of  doing  good.  It  manifests  itself,  not  by  taking  a  "more  holy  than 
thou"  attitude,  but  by  bearing  the  burdens  of  others  and  seizing  every 
opportunity  to  help  saints  and  save  sinners. 

Key  Word:      Well  doing,  v.   9. 

Strong  Verses:      1,   2,   7,   8,   9,   10,   14. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  14.  The  cross  which  connects  us  with  God  separates  us 
from  the  world.  Having  died  with  Christ  we  should  therefore  be  done  with 
the  world.  Having  risen  with  Christ,  we  are  connected  with  God  in  a 
new  life.  We  cannot  glory  in  the  benefits  Christ's  cross  secures  if  we 
refuse  the  rejection  which  His  cross  involves. 


EPISTLE  TO  EPHESIANS  Page  Fifty-Nine 

EPHESIANS 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

"In  Christ"  6  1:3  Head  of  the  Church 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Paul  A.  D.    64  The  Church  is  The  Body 

of  Christ.  Each  believer 
has  an  exalted  position 
through  grace  and  is  to 
have  a  walk  in  accord- 
ance with  that  position. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      Believer's  position  in  grace.     The  prayer  for  knowledge  and  power. 

Characters:      Christ,  God,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  believer,  is  vitally  united  to  Jesus  Christ  by  the  indwelling 
Spirit,  through  the  redemptive  work  of  the  cross,  and  has  in  Him  all 
spiritual  blessings,  including  the  assurance  of  an  eternal  inheritance  and 
the  working  of  His  mighty  power  in  and  through  him. 

Key  Word:      Spiritual  blessings,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  4,  7,  13,  14,  22,  23. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  22-23.  Jesus  is  Head  of  the  Church  which  is  His  Body 
and  His  Bride.  As  Eve  was  of  Adam's  body,  yet  was  his  bride,  so  the 
Church  born  out  of  His  opened  side,  is  both  the  Body  and  the  Bride.  This 
gives  Him  complete  disposal  of  all  the  affairs  of  the  true  Church  to  the 
designs  of  His  grace. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Method  of  Gentile  salvation.  Jew  and  Gentile  made  one  body  in 
Christ,  a  habitation  of  God  through  the  Spirit. 

Characters:      God,   Christ. 

Conclusion:  A  state  of  sin  apart  from  Christ,  is  a  state  of  spiritual  death 
and  bondage  to  Satan.  A  great  and  happy  change  is  possible  on  the  basis 
of  Christ's  finished  redemption  whereby  men  are  quickened  to  eternal  life 
by  faith  apart  from  their  own  merits.  God,  the  Father,  is  the  Author  of 
the  plan,  Christ,  the  Son,  laid  the  foundation,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  raises 
the  superstructure. 

Key  Word:      Reconciliation,   v.    16. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  13,  14,  18,  21,  22. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  7.  One  great  purpose  of  Christ's  salvation  is  to  reveal  in 
ages  to  come  the  exceeding  riches  of  God's  grace.  If  all  men  were  saved, 
it  could  never  be  made  to  appear  that  we  did  really  deserve  to  die.  In 
spite  of  the  cross,  we,  angels,  and  universe  would  doubt  it.  The  loss  of 
some  men  through  rejection  of  Christ  sets  that  doubt  at  rest  and  proves 
to  all  eternity  that  those  who  are  saved  were  by  nature  the  children  of 
wrath,  even  as  others. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Content*:  Church,  a  mystery  hidden  in  past  ages.  Prayer  for  inner  fullness 
and  knowledge. 

Characters:      Christ,  God,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  divine  purpose  to  make  of  both  Jew  and  Gentile  a  wholly 
new  thing,  the  Church,  the  Body  of  Christ,  was  a  mystery  unrevealed  in 
Old  Testament  times,  the  revelation  of  which  was  committed  to  Paul. 
Nothing  is  too  hard  for  divine  grace  to  do;  what  a  mighty  treasury  of 
mercy,  grace,  and  love  is  laid  up  in  Christ  Jesus,  both  for  Jew  and  Gentile 
who  will  receive  Him  as  their  Lord. 

Key  Word:      Revelation,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      8,   9,    10,    16,    17,    18,    19,    20. 

Striking  Facts:      vv.  9,  10.     The  marvelous  redemption  of  men  by  grace  through 


Page  Sixty  EPHESIANS 

faith,  on  the  ground  of  Christ's  atonement  is  to  be  a  lesson  eternally  to 
Satan  and  his  hosts,  of  the  power  of  God.  Angels  are  made  to  see  how 
His  glory  can  he  displayed  in  His  dealings  with  sin. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Walk  and  service  of  the  believer  in  Christ.  Ministry  of  gifts  of 
Christ  to  His  Body. 

Characters:      Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  God,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  Considering  to  what  state  and  condition  God  has  called  us  in 
Christ  Jesus,  let  us  approve  ourselves  good  Christians,  living  up  to  our 
profession  and  calling.  As  members  of  His  Body,  the  Holy  Spirit  will 
endue  us  with  spiritual  gifts  for  His  service  that  we  might  confirm  and 
build  up  others  in  the  faith  and  that  we  might  dispense  the  saving  doc- 
trines of  His  grace  to  the  unsaved. 

Key  Word:      Walk,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  17,  22,  23,  24,  30,  32. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  8.  When  Christ's  body  was  laid  in  the  grave,  His  spirit 
descended  into  Hades  (the  abode  of  departed  spirits),  and  proclaimed  the 
victory  of  the  cross.  At  His  ascension  to  the  Father  after  three  days  He 
delivered  from  Hades  the  spirits  of  the  justified  and  took  them  to  Para- 
dise above,  leaving  the  unsaved  spirits  in  Hades.  The  spirit  of  the  Chris- 
tian at  death  now  goes  to  be  with  Him  above.  Phil.  1:23;  2  Cor.  5:9, 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  Walk  of  the  believer  as  God's  child.  The  believer's  warfare  as 
filled  with  the  Spirit. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  As  members  of  the  family  of  God,  it  is  our  duty  to  put  on  the 
family  likeness  by  walking  as  obedient  children,  and  in  full  yieldedness  to 
the  Holy  Spirit.  Only  as  we  are  flexible  in  His  hands  may  we  be  victorious 
in  our  walk,  sincere  in  our  worship  or  successful  in  our  work. 

Key  Word:      Worship,  vv.  19,  20.     Walk,  v.  2. 

Strong  Verses:      9,  18,   19,  20,  25,  30. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  32.  Concerning  life,  the  Church  is  the  Body  of  Christ 
(1:22,  23).  Concerning  love,  the  Church  is  His  Bride.  Notice  it  is  the 
"man"  who  is  said  to  leave  his  home  to  be  joined  unto  a  wife.  Christ  left 
the  glory  and  His  Father,  and  later  parted  with  His  earthly  mother  (Luke 
2:35;  John  19:26-27)  for  the  redemptive  work  whereby  He  could  take 
out  from  the  world  a  spiritual  Bride,  of  which  all  true  believers  are  mem- 
bers. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:      Domestic  life   of   Spirit-filled   believers.     Warfare   of   the   believer. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Satan,  Tychicus. 

Conclusion:  The  Christian  life  is  a  warfare,  a  struggle  not  only  with  common 
calamities  and  inner  desires,  but  with  opposing  forces  of  the  powers  of 
darkness  which  seek  to  destroy  the  testimony  of  the  believer.  It  is  there- 
fore requisite  that  the,  Christian  soldier  be  stout-hearted  and  well  armed 
with  spiritual  weapons  which  God  supplies.  The  sword  of  the  Spirit  and 
the  access  of  prayer  are  weapons  against  which  Satan  is  powerless. 

Key  Word:      Warfare,  vv.  11-12. 

Strong  Verses:      8,  10,  11,  12,  13,  17,  18. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  10.  The  Lord  Jesus  has  met  Satan  at  every  point  and 
defeated  him.  It  is  therefore  dangerous  for  us  to  be  strong  except  in  Him 
Who  is  the  Victor.  Our  natural  courage  is  perfect  cowardice;  our  natural 
strength  is  perfect  weakness,  but  our  sufficiency  is  always  in  Him. 


EPISTLE  TO  PHILIPPIANS  Page  Sixty-One 

PHILIPPIANS 

Key  Thought:             Number  of  Chapters:             Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Gain  through  Christ                    4                              3:7,   14,   4:4  Ascended  Lord 


Writer  of  the  Book: 

Paul 

Date: 

About  A.  D.   64 

Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Christ   is    the    believer's 
life,  pattern,  object,  and 
strength. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      Triumph  of  the  believer  over  suffering  and  persecution. 

Characters:      Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  God,  Paul,  Timothy,  Epaphroditus. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  desire  that  Christ  may  be  magnified  in  their  bodies 
have  a  holy  indifference  whether  it  be  by  life  or  death  and  may  rejoice 
in  all  their  tribulations  as  Christ's  witnesses,  knowing  that  the  Word 
of  God  cannot  be  imprisoned  and  that  though  things  do  not  turn  to  their 
comfort  in  this  world,  by  God's  grace,  they  will  be  made  to  turn  to  the 
salvation  of  others. 

Key  Word:      Joyful   tribulation,   v.    20. 

Strong  Verses:      6,  21,  23. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  6.  It  is  Christ  Who  begins  the  good  work  in  us;  it  is 
Christ  Who  carries  it  on  in  us — 2:12-13;  it  is  Christ  Who  will  ultimately 
complete  that  work  by  transforming  us  into  His  own  likeness — 3:21. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Christ,  the  believer's  pattern,  rejoicing  in  lowly  service.  The 
outworking  of  inworked  salvation.  The  apostolic  example. 

Characters:      Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  God,  Paul,  Timothy,  Epaphroditus. 

Conclusion:  The  believer  should  be  lowly  minded  and  like-minded,  in  con- 
formity to  the  example  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  great  pattern  of  humility 
and  love  in  service  to  man.  He  humbled  Himself  in  suffering  and  death 
for  us,  not  only  to  satisfy  God's  justice,  but  to  set  us  an  example  that  we 
might  follow  His  steps — bearing  a  resemblance  to  His  life,  since  we  have 
profited  by  His  death. 

Key  W7ord:      Humble  service,  vv.   5-9. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  5,  7,  8,  9,  13,  15. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  7-8.  Jesus  was  absolutely  divine,  yet  absolutely  human. 
•  In  coming  into  the  world  He  did  not  empty  Himself  of  His  divine  nature 
or  attributes,  but  only  of  the  outward  and  visible  manifestation  of  the 
Godhead — the  insignia  of  majesty,  He  had  to  empty  Himself  of  His  glory 
or  He  would  have  paralyzed  the  men  He  came  to  save.  Although  equal 
with  God,  He  took  upon  Himself  the  form  of  a  servant  for  our  sakes,  that 
He  might  meet,  as  God  manifest  in  the  flesh,  the  death  of  the  cross. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:      Christ,   the  object  of  the  believer's  faith,   desire  and   expectation. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  Let  those  reckon  themselves  unspeakable  losers,  who  by  adhering 
to  the  things  of  the  world  and  carnal  pride,  have  no  interest  in  the  Lord 
Jesus.  He  is  the  object  of  the  believer's  faith  for  a  righteousness  that  is 
untarnishable,  the  object  of  the  believer's  desire  for  a  fellowship  that  is 
incomparable  and  the  object  of  the  believer's  expectation  for  a  resurrection 
body  that  is  immortal. 

Key  Word:      Christ,   our  sufficiency,   vv.    7,    10,    20. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  7,   8,  9,   10,  13,   14,  20,  21. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  10.  Christ's  resurrection  is  the  evidence  of  our  justification 
(Rom.  4:24-25);  the  assurance  of  our  resurrection  (1  Cor.  15:14-18); 
the  source  of  our  spiritual  power  for  He  was  thus  constituted  the  giver 


Page  Sixty-Two  PHILIPPIANS 

of  the  Holy  Spirit  (John  7:39;  20:22).  Knowing  Him,  therefore,  in- 
volves not  only  justification  through  His  death  but  sanctification  through 
His  life,  feeling  the  transforming  efficacy  and  virtue  of  His  life,  through 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Christ  the  believer's  strength  and  source  of  joy  and  peace.  Giver 
of  victory  over  anxiety. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Euodias,  Syntyche,  Clement. 

Conclusion:  The  believer's  hope  and  prospect  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
should  engage  him  to  be  steady,  even  and  constant  in  his  Christian 
course,  rejoicing  always  in  Him  through  Whom  he  has  the  peace  of  God, 
the  very  presence  of  the  God  of  peace,  and  promises  that  should  remove 
all  anxious  care.  He  will  give  strength  for  all  things,  whether  to  do  or 
bear.  He  will  supply  every  need  of  the  trusting  soul. 

Key   Word:      Joy,   v.    4. 

Strong  Verses:      4,   6,   7,   8,   13,   19. 

Striking  Facts:  Seven  things  the  believer  is  here  said  to  have  through  Jesus 
Christ:  1.  Privilege  of  prayer  to  help  us — v.  6.  2.  Peace  to  keep  us — 
v.  7.  3.  Presence  to  accompany  us — v.  9.  4.  Pattern  before  us — v.  8. 
5.  Policy  to  calm  us — v.  11.  6.  Power  to  strengthen  us — v.  13.  7. 
Promise  to  provide  for  us — v.  19. 


EPISTLE  TO  COLOSSIANS  Page  Sixty-Three 

COLOSSIANS 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Fullness  in  Christ  4  2:10  Fullness  of 

Godhead 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

The  Godhead  was  incar- 

Paul  About  A.  D.    64  nate  in  Jesus  Christ,  in 

whom    the     believer     is 
complete. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Apostolic  greeting  and  prayer.  The  superiority  of  Christ.  His 
reconciling  work.  The  mystery  of  His  indwelling. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Timothy,  Epaphras. 

Conclusion:  He  who  has  reconciled  us  to  God  by  His  blood  and  made  us  meet 
to  partake  of  eternal  happiness  is  none  other  than  the  Creator  and  Lord 
of  all,  manifested  in  human  form.  As  Lord  of  glorious  power,  He  is  able 
to  furnish  us  for  every  good  work  and  to  fortify  us  by  His  grace  against 
every  evil.  The  ground  of  our  hope  is  Christ  in  the  Word,  but  the  evi- 
dence of  our  hope  is  Christ  in  the  heart  working  mightily  by  His  Holy 
Spirit. 

Key  Word:      Mighty  Christ,  vv.    11,   15. 

Strong  Verses:      10,  11,  12,  13,  16,  17,  18,  20. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  15-17.  Jesus  was  the  visible  representation  of  the  visible 
God,  born  before  anything  was  created.  Creation  was  bound  up  with  Him 
as  its  secret,  and  by  Him,  all  things  earthly,  angelic,  celestial  and  infernal 
were  created  and  do  exist.  It  pleased  the  Father  that  all  divine  perfec- 
tions should  be  summed  up  in  Him.  Such  a  One  redeemed  us  and  is  Head 
of  the  Body,  the  Church. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Godhead  incarnate  in  Christ.  Danger  of  those  who  would  entice 
away  from  Christ.  Philosophy  and  legality,  mysticism  and  asceticism. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  Believers  who  understand  the  perfections  of  Christ  and  have  a 
well  settled  judgment  of  the  great  truths  of  the  Gospel,  will  be  preserved 
from  all  the  ensnaring  insinuations  of  those  who  would  corrupt  the  Gospel 
principles.  All  true  Christians  have  a  salvation  complete  in  Him  and  need 
not  pin  their  faith  on  the  opinions  of  philosophers  nor  bear  the  yoke  of 
ceremonial  law.  Christ  alone  is  the  hope  of  glory  and  in  Him  we  are  com- 
plete. 

Key  Word:      Complete  in  Him,  v.  10. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  3,  9.  Christ  is  the  wisdom  of  God,  and  is  of  God  made 
wisdom  to  the  humble.  The  treasures  of  wisdom  are  not  hidden  from  us  in 
Christ,  but  for  us.  Supposed  supplies  of  spiritual  wisdom  from  any  other 
source  are  a  delusion.  The  fullness  of  the  Godhead  dwells  in  Christ,  not 
figuratively,  but  literally,  for  He  is  both  God  and  man,  the  manifestation 
of  the  Father  to  us. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  Believer's  union  with  Christ  here  and  hereafter,  and  the  fruit  of 
such  union. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  true  believer  is  united  with  Christ  in  a  union  which  can  never 
be  broken  and  by  virtue  of  that  union  he  is  justified,  sanctified  and  yet  to 
be  glorified.  Since,  as  to  his  standing,  his  true  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God, 
it  is  his  business  to  mind  the  concerns  of  that  world  to  which  Christ  has 
ascended,  making  heaven  his  scope  and  aim,  and  manifesting  to  those 


Page  Sixty-Four  COLOSSIANS 

about  him,  his  title  and  qualifications  for  heaven,  by  a  consistent  Christian 
life. 

Key  Word:      Union  with  Christ,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  2,   3,  4,   14,   15,  16,   17,  23,  24. 

Striking  Pacts:  vv.  1,  3.  The  believer's  eternal  standing  is  in  Christ.  If  by 
regeneration,  we  were  united  to  Him,  we  are  reckoned  as  having  died 
when  He  died,  having  risen  when  He  ascended,  having  been  seated  in 
heaven  when  He  was  seated,  and  as  yet  to  appear  with  Him  when  He  comes 
forth  in  glory.  Our  true  life  is  therefore  hid  with  Him.  It  is  our  part 
to  make  our  state  conform  as  nearly  as  possible  with  our  standing. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:      Consistent  Christian   living  and  fellowship  of  believers. 

Characters:  God,  Paul,  Christ,  Tychicus,  Onesimus,  Aristarchus,  Marcus, 
Barnabas,  Justus,  Epaphras,  Luke,  Demas,  Archippus. 

Conclusion:  The  friendship  and  fellowship  together  of  fellow  servants  in  the 
Lord,  is  a  great  refreshment  under  the  sufferings  and  difficulties  in  the 
way.  It  adds  much  to  the  beauty  and  strength  of  the  Gospel  ministry 
when  Christ's  servants  are  loving  and  condescending  towards  one  another. 
Let  the  people  of  God  pray  particularly  for  those  over  them  in  the  Lord, 
that  God  may  enable  them  to  speak  as  they  ought  to  speak  and  that  doors 
of  utterance  may  be  opened. 

Key  Word:      Fellowship,  vv.  7,  10,  11,  14. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  5,  6. 


FIRST  EPISTLE  TO  THESSALONIANS  Page  Sixty-Five 

I.    THESSALONIANS 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Comfort  5  1:10  Coming  Lord 

Writer  of  the  Book:  •         Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

The  coming  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  is  imminent.  The 

Paul  A.  D.    54  hope    of    His    return    is 

the  great  hope  and  in- 
spiration and  comfort  of 
the  true  Christian. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      The  model  church.      Three  tenses  of  the  Christian  life. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Silvanus,  Timothy. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  have  embraced  the  full  Gospel,  as  proclaimed  by  the 
apostles  will  manifest  it  by  separation  from  worldly  idols,  present  service 
to  men  in  the  power  of  the  living  God,  and  expectation  of  the  return  of  the 
Lord  Jesus.  Where  true  faith  is,  it  will  work  by  love  and  in  the  patience 
of  the  blessed  hope. 

Key  Word:      Our  Gospel,  v.  5. 

Strong  Verses:      9,   10. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  9-10.  Past,  present  and  future  salvation  in  Christ  is  seen 
here.  Note  that  the  hope  of  Christ's  return  is  made  an  integral  part  of  the 
Gospel  and  Christian  faith.  If  conscious  of  a  lack  of  steadiness  in  the  life 
or  power  in  the  testimony,  make  sure  you  possess  these  three  aspects  of 
salvation. 

CHAPTER  T\VO 

Contents:      The  model  servant  and  his  reward. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Satan. 

Conclusion:  It  is  the  great  comfort  of  the  servants  of  Christ  to  have  their 
own  conscience  and  the  consciences  of  others  witness  for  them  that  they 
set  out  with  sincere  designs  and  right  principles,  preached  the  Word  in 
its  fullness  and  that  their  witnessing  was  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  Let  not 
the  Ambassadors  of  Christ  be  daunted  that  they  must  often  meet  opposi- 
tion and  persecution  at  the  preaching  of  Christ,  but  continue  faithfully 
knowing  that  they  shall  meet  the  fruit  of  their  labors  at  the  coming  of 
Christ. 

Key  Word:      Apostolic  ministry,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      4,    19. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  19-20.  At  the  second  coming  of  Christ,  there  will  be 
gathered  all  those  won  by  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel.  It  is  the  soul-win- 
ner's joy  that  he  will,  at  that  time,  meet  all  those  he  has  won  to  Christ. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  The  model  Christian  brotherhood.  The  sanctification  of  the  be- 
liever. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Timothy. 

Conclusion:  It  is  easy  for  the  servant  of  Christ  to  bear  afflictions  or  persecu- 
tions, when  he  finds  the  good  success  of  his  ministry  which  is  the  sure  re- 
sult of  sowing  in  love,  and  the  constancy  of  those  who  have  accepted 
Christ  under  their  ministry.  Let  there  be  the  same  mutual  love  between 
all  Christians  that,  with  their  teachers  in  the  Lord,  they  may  be  estab- 
lished unblameable  at  the  coming  of  Christ. 

Key  Word:      Brotherly  love,  v.   12. 

Strong  Verses:       12,    13. 

Striking  Facts:  Each  chapter  ends  with  reference  to  Christ's  second  coming. 
Chap.  1:  linked  with  salvation  (v.  10);  Chap.  2:  linked  with  service 


Page  Sixty-Six  FIRST  THESSALONIANS 

(19-20);   Chap.  3:   linked  with  sanctification   (13);   Chap.   4:    linked  with 
solace   (13-18);   Chap.  5:   linked  with  separation   (23). 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:      The  model  walk  of  the  believer.     The  hope  of  Christ's  return. 

Characters:      God,  Christ. 

Conclusion:  The  design  of  the  Gospel  is  to  teach  men  not  only  what  they 
should  believe,  but  also  how  they  should  live.  It  is  God's  will  that  all 
His  should  be  holy  in  heart  and  pure  in  body  for  "He  that  calleth  us  is 
holy." 

The  Christian  should  not  be  in  ignorance  of  the  blessed  hope,  the 
return  of  Christ  to  resurrect  the  dead  in  Him  and  translate  living  believ- 
ers, for  this  is  designed  to  be  the  greatest  comfort  of  believers. 

Key  Word:      Sanctification,  v.  3.      Comfort,  vv.  13,  18. 

Strong  Verses:      3,    4,   7,   14-18. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  16.  The  Lord  Jesus  HIMSELF,  not  the  Holy  Spirit,  not  the 
destruction  of  Jerusalem,  not  the  diffusion  of  Christianity,  not  the  death 
of  the  believer — this  is  the  blessed  hope.  He  is  coming  bringing  with  Him 
the  spirits  of  those  who  have  died  in  Him.  Their  bodies  shall  be  raised 
and  united  then  with  their  spirits.  At  the  same  time,  living  believers  will 
be  instantly  changed  and  caught  up  in  clouds  to  be  with  Him. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  The  model  walk  for  the  believer.  The  day  of  Jehovah.  Exhorta- 
tions to  believers. 

Characters:      Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  Let  Christians  live  like  men  who  are  awake,  living  in  constant 
expectation  of  Christ's  return,  and  having  all  natural  desires  under 
Christ's  control.  Christ's  coming  will  be  sudden,  overtaking  many  who 
are  in  the  midst  of  their  carnal  security  and  jollity,  and  bringing  them 
destruction  from  which  there  will  be  no  escape. 

Key  Word:      Times  and  seasons,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  8,  9,  10,  16-21. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  2.  As  the  thief  usually  comes  in  the  dead  of  the  night, 
so  the  coming  of  Christ  will  surprise  the  ungodly.  It  is  the  happy  condi- 
tion, however,  of  those  who  believe  God's  Word,  that  they  live  in  momen- 
tary expectation  of  His  return,  and  whether  times  be  troublesome  or  peace- 
ful, they  cannot  be  surprised  if  He  should  come. 


SECOND  EPISTLE  TO  THESSALONIANS  Page  Sixty-Seven 

II.    THESSALONIANS 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Waiting  for  Christ  3  3:5  Coming  Lord 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

The  Christian  is  to  wait, 
watch  and  work  for  the 
coming  of  the  Lord 

Paul  A.  D.   54  Jesus,  when  He  will  be 

glorified  in  His  saints 
and  His  saints  shall  be 
eternally  satisfied  in 
Him. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      Believer's  comfort  in  persecution. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Silvanus,  Timothy. 

Conclusion:  The  patient  suffering  of  believers  for  Christ's  sake,  is  a  manifest 
token  that  they  are  worthy  to  be  accounted  Christians,  since  they  can  suf- 
fer for  Christianity.  God  will  recompense  their  trouble  with  rest  of  heart 
now,  and  with  abundant  reward  at  Christ's  coming,  when  also  He  will 
recompense  trouble  to  those  who  have  troubled  His  people. 

Key  Word:      Comfort,  v.   7. 

Strong  Verses:      7,  8,  9,  10. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  10.  As  the  coming  of  Christ  will  reveal  His  wrath  and 
power  upon  His  enemies,  so  His  grace  and  power  will  be  magnified  in  the 
complete  salvation  of  His  saints.  This  is  an  evidence  that  the  Church  will 
not  pass  through  the  Great  Tribulation,  the  time  of  God's  wrath. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:      Day  of  the  Lord  and  the  man  of  sin.     Exhortation  and  instruction. 

Characters:      Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  anti-christ,  Satan,  Paul. 

Conclusion:  The  blessed  hope  of  Christ's  coming  is  a  doctrine  with  which 
believers  are  to  be  deeply  affected  that  they  might  not  be  moved  about 
with  the  conflicting  and  Satanic  heresies  of  the  last  days,  when  there  will 
be  general  religious  apostasy  and  denial  of  the  program  of  God's  Word. 
Let  us  not  be  deceived  by  the  doctrine  of  any  man  or  by  the  trend  of 
events,  to  let  loose  of  the  hope  of  His  imminent  return. 

Key  Word:      Day  of  Christ,  v.  2. 

Strong  Verses:      3,   4,   8. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  7,  8.  The  word  "letteth"  is  lit.  "restraineth"  or  "hinder- 
eth."  The  Holy  Spirit  is  the  restraining  influence  now  in  the  world.  He 
will  hinder  the  progress  of  Satan's  gospel  until  the  coming  of  Christ  when 
He,  whose  present  mission  is  the  formation  of  the  Body  of  Christ  will  be 
taken  out  of  the  way  with  the  Body.  This  will  leave  Satan  unrestrained 
and  will  precipitate  the  Great  Tribulation  period. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:      Paul's  encouragements  and  exhortations  to  the  Thessalonians. 

Characters:      Christ,  Paul. 

Conclusion:      It  is  required  of  those  who  have  professed  Christianity,  that  they 

live  according  to  the  precepts  of  the  Gospel,  that  they  be  not  accounted 

disorderly  persons  devoid  of  the  divine  love  and  hope  which  they  profess. 

If  Christ  is  allowed  to  direct  our  love  upon  Himself,  it  will  rectify  all  our 

affections  toward  men  and  keep  us  in  the  attitude  of  expectation  of  His 

momentary  coming. 

Key  Word:      Apostolic  commands,  v.  6. 
Strong  Verses:      3,  5,  6,  13. 
Striking  Facts:      v.    5.      Patient  waiting   for   Christ  is    to   be  joined  with   the 

love  of  God.      The  hope  of  His  return  is  the  great  incentive  to  a  busy  life 

and  a  life  of  loving  deeds  to  others. 


Page  Sixty-Eight 


FIRST  EPISTLE  TO  TIMOTHY 


Key  Thought: 

Church   order 


I.    TIMOTHY 


Number  of  Chapters: 

6 


Key  Verse: 

3:9 


Christ  seen  as: 

Only  Potentate 


Writer  of  the  Book: 


Paul 


Date : 


About  A.  D.    63 


Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

God  would  have  the 
Minister  and  the  Chris- 
tian know  "how  they 
should  behave  in  the 
house  of  God"  and  how 
"to  hold  the  mystery  of 
the  faith  in  a  pure  con- 
science." 


SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      Legalism  and  unsound  teaching  rebuked. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Timothy,  Alexander,  Satan,  Hymenaeus. 

Conclusion:  Witnesses  of  Christ  must  not  only  be  charged  to  preach  the  true 
Gospel  doctrine  but  charged  to  preach  no  other  doctrine,  for  it  needs  no 
improvement,  and  to  add  the  letter  of  the  law  to  the  doctrines  of  grace 
is  an  impossible  mixture,  leading  to  unprofitable  jangling.  Those  answer 
the  end  of  the  law  who  have  a  good  conscience  toward  Christ  and  faith 
unfeigned. 

Key  Word:      Vain  jangling,  v.   6. 

Strong  Verses:      5,   15. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  15.  The  errand  of  Jesus  Christ  in  the  world  was  not  to 
be  a  great  teacher  and  reformer,  but  to  die  as  a  ransom  for  sinners  of 
whom  there  are  two  classes — the  sinner  who  thinks  himself  righteous 
(as  did  Paul  before  converted)  and  the  sinner  who  feels  himself  a  sin- 
ner. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:      Exhortation  to  prayer.      Divine  order  for  the  sexes. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Adam,  Eve,  Timothy. 

Conclusion:  Christians  are  to  be  men  much  given  to  prayer,  and  in  their  pray- 
ers having  a  generous  concern  for  others  as  well  as  for  themselves.  They 
are  to  especially  desire  for  those  in  civil  authority  that  God  will  turn  their 
hearts  and  direct  them,  making  use  of  them  for  the  accomplishing  of  His 
purposes. 

Christian  women  are  to  be  modest,  sober,  silent  and  submissive  as 
becomes  their  place.  Woman  was  created  in  subordination  to  man  and 
was  never  intended  to  usurp  authority,  but  to  be  a  helpmeet. 

Key  Word:      Prayer,  v.  1.      Women,  v.  10. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  2,   3,  4,  5,  8. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  5-6.  A  Mediator  supposes  a  controversy.  Sin  had  made 
a  quarrel  between  God  and  man.  Jesus  Christ,  a  Mediator,  undertook  to 
make  peace.  He  gave  Himself  a  ransom  voluntarily  so  that  all  mankind 
might  partake  of  the  common  salvation. 


CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:      Qualifications  of  elders  and  deacons. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Satan. 

Conclusion:  Those  having  places  of  authority  in  the  church  must  be  blame- 
less, not  lying  under  any  scandal,  watchful  against  Satan,  moderate  in  all 
their  actions,  proving  their  ability  to  care  for  God's  people  by  keeping  a 
Godly  and  well-governed  household,  holding  the  truths  of  the  faith  in  a 
pure  conscience. 

Key  Word:      Elders,  deacons,  vv.   2,  8. 

Strong  Verses:      5,   16. 


FIRST  TIMOTHY  .  Page  Sixty-Nine 

Striking  Facts:  v.  16.  The  mystery  of  Godliness  is  Christ.  He  was  God 
manifest  in  the  flesh  (John  1:14).  Being  reproached  as  a  sinner,  He 
was  raised  by  the  Spirit  and  so  justified.  He  was  attended  by  and  wor- 
shipped by  angels.  He  is  offered  to  the  Gentiles  as  Savior  and  Redeemer. 
He  is  believed  on  by  millions.  He  is  exalted  in  glory. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:      Walk  of  a  good  minister  of  Christ. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Timothy. 

Conclusion:  Those  are  good  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ  who  are  diligent  to  in- 
stil into  the  minds  of  their  hearers  the  fundamental  truths  of  God's  Word, 
which  will  prevent  their  being  seduced  by  false  teachers  and  drawn  away 
into  the  apostasy  of  the  last  days.  Let  them  not  study  to  advance  new 
notions,  but  ever  be  faithful  in  proclaiming  those  saving  truths  which  they 
have  received  of  the  apostles  and  Jesus  Christ. 

Key  Word:      Good  minister,  v.  6. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  8,  12. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  1-3.  Satan  is  a  theologian  and  makes  use  of  demons  in 
the  last  days  to  lead  many  away  into  apostasy.  Spiritualism  clearly  pre- 
sented here.  Two  prominent  points  of  its  doctrine  are  seen  in  v.  3. 
Abstinence  from  meat  is  considered  a  condition  of  mediumistic  power. 
Spiritual  affinities  are  taught  as  against  marriage. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:      Work  of  a  good  minister  of  Christ. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Timothy,  Satan. 

Conclusion:  Ministers  of  Jesus  Christ  are  reprovers  by  office,  for  they  are 
not  alone  to  preach  the  Word,  but  correct  those  who  are  inconsistent. 
A  difference  is  to  be  made  in  the  reproofs  according  to  the  age  and  circum- 
stances of  the  persons  rebuked.  Let  them  know  that  they  are  accountable 
to  God  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  how  they  have  observed  the  duties  of 
their  office,  and  woe  to  them  if  they  have  been  partial  in  their  ministra- 
tions. 

KeyWord:      Ministerial  exhortations,  v.  21. 

Strong  Verses:      6,    8,   22. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:      Work   of  the  minister   continued. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Timothy,  Pilate. 

Conclusion:  The  minister  of  Christ  is  to  preach  not  only  the  general  duties 
of  all,  but  the  duties  of  particular  relations,  that  believers  may  live  lives 
that  will  truly  witness  for  Christ  wherever  they  are.  He  is  to  endeavor 
after  Godliness  at  all  times  himself,  not  making  his  ministry  merely  a 
trade,  but  a  calling  wherein  he  is  content  with  what  God  allots  him,  fight- 
ing the  fight  of  faith  and  looking  for  the  coming  of  Christ,  when  he  shall 
be  abundantly  rewarded. 

Key  Word:      Man  of  God,  v.  11. 

Strong  Verses:      6,  7,   10,  12,  20. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  16.  Jesus  Christ  only  as  yet  has  triumphed  over  death. 
Immortality  has  to  do  with  the  body,  not  the  soul.  The  believer  will  be 
given  immortality  at  His  coming,  being  given  a  body  like  unto  His  glorious 
body. 


Page  Seventy  SECOND  EPISTLE  TO  TIMOTHY 

II.    TIMOTHY 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Doctrine  4  1:13  Only  Potentate 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

The  Christian  must  be 
loyal  to  Christ  and  to 
the  truth,  enduring  as  a 

Paul  About  A.  D.    64  good  soldier  against  all 

persecution,  and  in  the 
midst  of  growing  aposta- 
sies. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      Apostolic  greetings  and  exhortations  to  Timothy. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Timothy,  Eunice,  Phygelus,  Her- 
mogenes,  Onesiphorus. 

Conclusion:  The  best  of  Christ's  servants  need  remembrancers,  and  what 
they  know,  it  is  well  to  be  reminded  of  by  Godly  men  that  their  faith  may 
be  strengthened.  Let  them  not  be  afraid  of  suffering  for  Christ's  sake, 
or  of  owning  others  who  are  sufferers  for  His  cause,  for  they  are  called 
with  a  holy  calling,  as  witnesses  of  God's  eternal  purposes  in  Christ,  and 
by  adherence  to  Him  in  all  circumstances,  may  be  assured  that  He  honors 
His  testimony  in  and  through  them. 

Key  Word:      Exhortations,  v.  6. 

Strong  Verses:      7,  8,  9,  10,  12. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  10.  The  threefold  purpose  of  Christ's  coming  is  here  stated. 
1.  To  abolish  death  which  is  the  result  of  sin.  2.  To  bring  to  light  salva- 
tion through  His  finished  work.  3.  To  illumine  the  subject  of  immortality, 
which  believers  are  to  have  through  Him  at  His  return.  If  Jesus  had  not 
arisen  in  a  glorified  body,  immortality  would  not  have  been  brought  to 
light. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:      Walk  of  a  good  soldier  of  Christ  in  times  of  apostasy. 

Characters:      Christ,  Paul,  Timothy,  David,  Hymenaeus,  Philetus,  Satan. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  have  work  to  do  for  Christ  must  stir  themselves  up 
as  soldiers  to  do  it,  and  strengthen  themselves  for  it  in  His  power.  They 
must  count  upon  suffering,  even  unto  death,  and  therefore  must  carefully 
train  up  others  in  the  faith  to  succeed  them  who  will  approve  themselves 
good  soldiers. 

Key  Word:      Good  soldier,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  11,  12,  13,  15,  19,  21,  22,  24,  25. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  8.  "Remember  Jesus  Christ" — raised  from  the  dead.  This 
is  the  great  proof  of  the  Christian  mission,  and  confirmation  of  the  truth 
of  the  Gospel.  Let  suffering  saints  remember  this.  His  incarnation  and 
resurrection,  heartily  believed,  will  support  the  Christian  under  all  testings 
of  the  present  life. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:      Apostasy  predicted.     The  believer's  resource,  the  Scriptures. 

Characters:      Christ,  Paul,  Timothy,  Jannes,  Jambres,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  The  last  days  of  the  Gospel  dispensation  will  be  perilous  times, 
both  on  account  of  persecutions  without,  and  corruptions  within.  These 
will  be  times  when  it  will  be  difficult  to  keep  a  good  conscience,  and  the 
believers  recourse,  will  be  the  inspired  Word  of  God,  which  is  demon- 
strated to  be  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,  able  to  furnish  him  unto  al) 
good  works. 

Key  Word:      Apostasy,  vv.  1,  5,  13. 

Strong  Verses:      1-5,12,13,16,17. 


SECOND  TIMOTHY  Page  Seventy-One 

Striking  Facts:  v.  5.  The  Gospel  of  Christ  is  the  power  of  godliness  (Rom. 
1:16).  Ihe  tendency  of  the  apostasy  of  the  last  times  will  be  to  accept 
the  ethical  teachings  of  Christ,  rejecting  the  doctrine  of  regeneration  by 
the  Spirit  of  Christ.  It  is  no  marvel  that  those  who  cling  to.  Christ, 
instead  of  form,  will  in  those  days,  be  the  object  of  bitter  persecution, 
(v.  12). 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:      Christ's  faithful  servant  and  the  faithfulness  of  Christ  to  His  own. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Paul,  Demas,  Timothy,  Luke,  Mark,  Tychicus,  Carpus, 
Alexander,  Prisca,  Aquila,  Onesiphorus,  Erastus,  Trephines,  Eubulus, 
Pudens,  Linus,  Claudia. 

Conclusion:  It  concerns  the  witnesses  of  Christ  seriously  to  consider  the 
account  they  must  give  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  of  the  trust  reposed  upon 
them  as  His  representatives.  Against  the  last  days  when  there  shall  be 
widespread  rejection  of  the  doctrines  of  Christ,  men  grown  weary  of  the 
plain  Gospel  and  hankering  for  philosophies,  let  us  faithfully  preach  the 
pure  Word  of  God,  apart  from  any  merely  human  fancies,  making  full  proof 
of  our  ministry  and  loving  the  truth  of  His  return  for  His  own. 

Key  Word:      Charge,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  3,  4,  8,  18. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  8.  "Crown"  is  a  symbol  of  reward  in  N.  T.  Here  is  a 
special  reward  promised  to  those  who  love  the  truth  of  Christ's  second 
coming  and  work  and  long  for  it.  It  is  a  crown  the  "post-millennarian" 
will  not  receive,  for  He  hopes  to  set  up  the  millennium  without  the  pres- 
ence of  the  King. 


Page  Seventy-Two  EPISTLE  TO  TITUS 

TITUS 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Ministry  3  3:8,   9  God  our  Savior 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Christ's  ministers  should 
follow  the    divine    order 

Paul  About  A.   D.    63  as  revealed  in  the  Epis- 

tles, for  the  conduct  of 
the   Church. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      Divine  order  for  local  churches. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Paul,  Titus. 

Conclusion:  Divine  faith  rests  not  on  fallible  reasonings  and  opinions  of  men, 
but  on  the  infallible  Word  of  God,  the  truth  itself  which  purifies  the  heart 
of  the  believer.  By  this  mark,  judge  of  new  and  strange  doctrines,  and 
stop  the  mouths  of  those  who  handle  the  Word  of  God  deceitfully. 

Key  Word:      Deceivers,  v.  10. 

Strong  Verses:      15. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:      Pastoral  work  of  a  true  minister. 

Characters:      Christ,  Paul,  Titus. 

Conclusion:  The  ministers  of  Christ  should  discharge  their  duties  with  faith- 
fulness, being  careful  to  teach  only  such  truths  as  are  emphasized  by 
God's  Word,  and  dividing  to  each  person,  according  to  their  age,  and 
condition  in  life,  those  special  portions  of  the  truth  designed  for  their 
particular  spiritual  needs.  Let  all  considerations  of  the  Gospel  be  ever 
linked  to  those  foundation  truths,  the  grace  of  God  in  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  sanctified  life  through  Him  and  the  blessed  hope  of  His 
return. 

Key  Word:      Sound  doctrine,  vv.  1,  15. 

Strong  Verses:      7,  11,  12,  13,  14. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  11-13.  We  have  in  vv.  12,  13,  the  A  B  C's  of  the  school 
of  grace.  The  Gospel  of  grace  teaches  us  (1)  to  leave  the  old  life  (2)  to 
live  the  new  life  (3)  to  look  for  that  blessed  hope,  the  glorious  appearing 
of  Christ. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:      Further  instructions  concerning  pastoral  work  of  a  true  minister. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Paul,  Titus,  Artemas,  Tychicus,  Zenas, 
Apollos. 

Conclusion:  The  ministers  of  Christ  are  the  peoples'  remembrancers  of  their 
duty  as  children  of  God.  They  should  urge  upon  Christians  the  duty  of 
subjection  to  the  government,  the  truth  of  the  unmerited  favor  of  God  in 
Christ,  and  the  necessity  of  maintaining  good  works  for  His  glory. 

Key  Word:      Remembrancers,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      5,  8. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  5,  8.  We  cannot  serve  to  get  saved.  Our  salvation  is 
based  alone  on  Christ's  finished  work  which  cancels  guilt,  and  the  regen- 
erating work  of  the  Spirit  which  washes  the  fallen  nature,  (v.  5)  While  we 
are  not  saved  by  service,  we  are  saved  to  serve  (vv.  8,  14)  which  is  the 
manifestation  of  the  salvation  wrought  in  us  by  the  Spirit. 


EPISTLE  TO  PHILEMON  Page  Seventy-Three 

PHILEMON 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Brotherhood  1  v.   17  Payer  of  our  debt 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Paul  A.  D.   64  See     conclusion     below. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      Greeting  to  Philemon.     Intercession  for  Onesimus. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Timothy,  Philemon,  Apphia,  Archippus,  Paul,  Epa- 
phras,  Marcus,  Aristarchus,  Demas,  Lucas. 

Conclusion:  Wise  and  good  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ  will  have  great  and 
tender  care  of  young  converts  to  encourage  and  hearten  them,  and  get 
them  received  into  the  fellowship  of  the  saints.  There  is  a  spiritual 
brotherhood  between  all  true  believers,  however  distinguished  as  to  their 
station  of  life,  and  we  should  therefore  seek  to  strengthen  and  help 
those  who  have  been  newly  united  to  the  Christian  family. 

Key  Word:      Reception   (of  Christians),  v.  17. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  17,  18.  These  verses  furnish  a  perfect  illustration  of  the 
doctrine  of  "imputation"  whereby  guilty  sinners  believing  on  Christ  are 
received  by  the  Father  as  identified  with  the  Son,  and  the  sins  of  the 
believing  one  are  reckoned  to  the  account  of  Christ  who  paid  the  price  on 
Calvary. 


Page  Seventy-Four  EPISTLE  TO  HEBREWS 

HEBREWS 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

New  Covenant  13  11:40  Great  High  Priest 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

The      cure      for      faint- 
heartedness   toward    the 
Gospel    is    a    right    con- 
Probably  Paul  About  A.   D.   65  ception  of  the  glory  and 

work  of  our  Great  High 
Priest  who  has  passed 
into  the  heavens. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  The  great  salvation  provided  through  Jesus  Christ  who  is  above 
prophets  and  better  than  angels. 

Characters:      God,  Christ. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ  as  God  was  equal  with  the  Father,  but  as  God-man 
revealed  the  Father  to  men  and  became  the  Mediator  between  God  and 
men.  He  is  appointed  heir  of  all  things,  sovereign  Lord,  absolute  dispose? 
and  director  both  of  all  persons  and  all  things.  He  is  above  every  other 
messenger  ever  sent  into  the  world  and  has  a  name  preeminent  above  all 
heavenly  beings. 

Key  Word:      Christ's  deity,  vv.  3,  8. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  8. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  3.  The  person  of  the  Son  was  the  true  image  and  charac- 
ter of  the  Person  of  the  Father.  He  is  not  said  to  be  the  "likeness"  of 
God  (implying  resemblance)  but  "image,"  which  means  that  He  reveals 
God.  In  beholding  His  power,  wisdom  and  goodness,  men  were  beholding 
the  Father,  for  He  was  God  manifest  in  the  flesh,  having  all  the  per- 
fections of  God  in  Him. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Warning  against  neglecting  so  great  a  salvation.  Earth  to  be  put 
under  Christ.  Jesus  temporarily  lower  than  angels  to  work  out  salvation 
for  man. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Satan,  Abraham. 

Conclusion:  The  salvation  provided  by  Jesus  Christ  is  so  great  a  salvation 
that  none  can  express  nor  conceive  how  great  it  is.  It  discovers  a  great 
Savior  who  has  manifested  God  to  be  reconciled  to  our  natures  and  recon- 
cilable to  our  persons.  He  was  made,  for  a  time,  lower  than  angels,  that 
He  might  humble  Himself  unto  death  for  our  sakes.  The  fullness  of  the 
Godhead  dwelling  in  Him,  His  suffering  could  make  satisfaction  for  sin 
and  make  salvation  possible  to  all.  To  reject  so  great  a  salvation  is 
thereby  made  the  worst  of  crimes  against  God. 

Key  Word:      Great  salvation,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  9,  10,  14,  17,  18. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  17,  18.  Christ  became  man  that  He  might  die,  for  as  God 
He  could  not  die,  therefore  He  assumed  another  nature  and  state.  To  be 
a  perfect  Savior  of  mankind,  He  must  in  every  way  take  man's  place 
being  proven  perfect  under  all  conditions,  and  then,  as  the  perfect  One, 
bear  our  sins.  Because  of  His  sufferings  as  a  man,  He  is  made  a 
merciful  High  Priest,  in  every  way  qualified  to  succor  His  people. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:      Christ  the  Son  better  than  Moses  the  servant.     Warning  against 

unbelief. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Moses. 
Conclusion:      We  owe  to  Jesus  Christ  as  the  principal  messenger  sent  of  God 

to  man,  the  prime  minister  of  the  Gospel  church,  immediate  and  careful 


HEBREWS  Pa9e  Seventy-Five 

consideration,  lest  by  delay  our  hearts  be  hardened  and  we  should  be 
eternally  rejected  because  of  unbelief.  Turning  a  deaf  ear  to  His  calls 
and  councils  is  the  spring  of  all  other  sins,  and  the  cause  of  final  separa- 
tion from  God. 

Key  Word:      Warning,  v.  12. 

Strong  Verses:      1,12,13. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  1.  Jesus  Christ  as  Apostle,  spoke  from  God  to  men:  as 
High  Priest  of  our  profession,  He  is  the  Head  of  the  Church,  upon  whose 
satisfaction  and  intercession  we  profess  to  depend  for  acceptance  with 
God.  It  was  necessary  to  remind  the  Jews  who  held  Moses  in  such  esteem 
and  were  bent  on  mixing  law  with  grace,  that  Christ  as  Son  of  God  was 
above  Moses,  therefore  His  Word  was  final  and  His  sacrifice  sufficient. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:      The  better  rest  for  the  believer.     The  perfect  work  of  redemption. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  David. 

Conclusion:  The  privileges  by  Christ  under  the  Gospel  are  far  greater  than 
those  enjoyed  under  the  Mosaic  law.  The  seventh  day  rest  commemorat- 
ing a  finished  creation,  was  but  a  type  of  heart-rest  which  is  to  be  had 
by  covenant  relation  with  Jesus  Christ,  and  which  is  offered  to  those  who 
will  renounce  their  own  works  as  a  means  of  salvation  and  put  their 
entire  trust  in  the  finished  work  of  the  Great  High  Priest  who  has  passed 
into  the  heavens. 

Key  Word:      Rest,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      9,  10,  12,  13,  14,  15. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  14-16.  The  believer  should  encourage  himself,  by  the 
excellency  and  finished  work  of  his  Great  High  Priest,  to  come  boldly  to 
the  throne  of  grace  which  has  taken  the  place  of  the  throne  of  inexorable 
justice.  Through  Christ's  sacrifice,  a  way  is  instituted  by  which  God 
may  with  honor  meet  poor  sinners  and  treat  with  them,  no  earthly  priest 
being  necessary. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:      Christ,  our  Great  High  Priest  after  the  order  of  Melchisedec. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Aaron,  Melchisedec. 

Conclusion:  God  was  pleased  to  take  One  from  among  men,  His  only  begotten 
Son,  who  above  all  others,  was  qualified  to  be  a  High  Priest  dealing  between 
God  and  sinful  men.  By  Him,  we  have  approach  to  God  in  hope  and  God 
may  receive  us  with  honor.  Let  us  therefore  not  attempt  to  go  to  God 
but  through  Christ,  nor  expect  any  favor  from  God  except  upon  His  merits. 

Key  \Vord:      High  Priest,  vv.  1,  10. 

Strong  Verses:      8,  9. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  10.  Melchisedec  was  a  type  of  Christ  as  High  Priest,  being 
both  a  King  and  a  Priest  (Gen.  14:18,  Zech.  6:12,  13).  Melchisedec  has 
no  recorded  beginning  nor  end  of  life,  and  the  very  absence  of  these  facts 
makes  him  a  type  of  Him  who  was  from  eternity.  Christ  is  the  Only  One 
in  whom  universal  Kingship  and  Priesthood  may  center. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:  Warning  against  mixture  of  law  and  grace.  Danger  of  tasting  the 
Spirit's  work  in  grace  and  then  going  back  to  ceremonies. 

Characters:      Christ,  God,  Holy  Spirit,  Abraham,  Melchisedec. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  have  advanced  to  the  very  threshold  of  Christ's  sal- 
vation, even  being  clearly  convicted  by  the  Holy  Spirit  and  fully  enlight- 
ened in  the  Word  of  God  as  to  the  way  of  life,  again  turning  to  trust  in 
dead  works  and  ceremonies,  put  Christ  to  an  open  shame  and  will  not  be 
renewed  again  to  repentance  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  The  true  believer  takes 
refuge  wholly  in  Christ's  finished  work,  in  which  he  finds  a  hope  sure  and 
steadfast  leading  him  heavenward. 

Key  Word:      Dead  works,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      10,  18,  19. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  4-6.  These  verses  do  not  apply  to  backsliders,  for  it  states 
that  there  is  no  restoration  possible  after  having  once  fallen  away.  The 
reference  is  to  Hebrews  fully  enlightened  in  the  prophecies  about  Christ, 


Page  Seventy-Six  HEBREWS 

and  having  seen  Him  and  having  been  carried  along  by  the  evident  work 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  following  His  resurrection,  yet  rejecting  all  this  light. 
For  such  there  was  no  further  conviction,  v.  9  shows  that  this  cannot 
occur  to  a  true  believer,  who  has  "received"  not  merely  "tasted"  and  is 
"sealed  by  the  Spirit,"  not  merely  a  "partaker"  in  His  illuminating  work. 

CHAPTER  SEVEN 

Contents:  Melchisedec  as  a  type  of  Christ.  Comparison  of.  Melchisedec  and 
Aaronic  priesthoods. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Melchisedec,  Abraham,  Levi,  Aaron,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ,  the  true  King-Priest,  the  anti-type  of  Melchisedec 
is  greater  than  all  the  priests  of  the  order  of  Aaron,  and  is  the  mediator 
of  all  blessings  to  the  children  of  men.  Whereas  the  Levitical  priesthood 
fcould  bring  nothing  to  perfection,  nor  justify  men  from  guilt,  Christ's 
priesthood  brings  with  it  a  better  hope — a  foundation  of  salvation  and 
perfect  security  in  Him  as  Intercessor  in  heaven. 

Key  Word:      Better  priesthood,  vv.  17,  22. 

Strong  Verses:      19,  24,  25,  26,  27. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  26.  No  priest  could  be  suitable  or  sufficient  for  our  recon- 
ciliation to  God,  but  One  who  could  meet  the  conditions  hero  laid  down, 
and  our  Lord  Jesus  alone  could  meet  them.  He  was  free  from  all  habits 
or  principles  of  sin,  never  did  the  least  wrong  to  God  or  man,  was  abso- 
lutely undefiled  in  His  own  life,  and  was  never  accessory  to  other  man's 
sins.  Those  who  come  to  God  by  Him  are  saved,  not  only  PROM  the 
uttermost,  but  TO  the  uttermost,  (v.  25). 

CHAPTER  EIGHT 

Contents:  Aaronic  priests  a  shadow  of  Christ  who  mediates  a  better  coven- 
ant. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  We  have  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  such  a  High  Priest  as  no  other 
people  ever  had,  all  others  being  but  types  and  shadows  of  Him.  He  is 
the  author  of  a  new  covenant,  better  than  the  old,  which  was  not  effi- 
cacious; established  on  better  promises;  obedience  to  it  springing  from 
a  willing  heart  and  mind  rather  than  from  fear;  securing  the  personal 
revelation  of  the  Lord  to  every  believer  and  guaranteeing  the  complete 
oblivion  of  sins  through  His  finished  work. 

Key  Word:      Better  covenant,  vv.  6,  13. 

Strong  Verses:      12. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  4.  There  are  no  earthly  successors  to  the  priestly  tribe  of 
Aaron,  for  the  reason  that  it  is  now  a  heavenly  office  centered  in  Jesus 
Christ.  The  earthly  priesthood  is  out  of  commission,  for  with  the  atoning 
death  of  Christ  the  vail  was  rent. 

CHAPTER  NINE 

Contents:  Ordinances  and  sanctuary  of  the  old  covenant  as  types  of  the  new. 
The  realities  of  the  new  covenant  which  is  sealed  by  the  blood  of  Christ. 

Characters:      God,  Holy  Spirit,  Aaron,  High  Priest,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  Christ  is  a  more  excellent  High  Priest  than  any  under  the  law, 
who  but  prefigured  the  work  He  came  to  do.  He  has  entered  once  for 
all  within  the  Holiest  place.  Having  undertaken  to  be  our  High  Priest 
He  could  not  have  been  admitted  into  heaven  without  shedding  His  blood 
for  us,  having  no  errors  of  His  own  to  offer  for,  and  neither  can  any  of 
us  enter  God's  glorious  presence  except  by  a  saving  trust  in  the  atoning 
sacrifice  of  Jesus,  without  which  remission  for  sins  is  impossible. 

Key' Word:      Atonement,  v.  22. 

Strong  Verses:      11,  12,  15,  22,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  24-28.  We  have  here  three  great  aspects  of  the  work  of 
Christ,  v.  26 — atonement — the  past  tense  of  His  work  for  our  salva- 
tion, v.  24 — advocacy — the  present  tense  of  His  work  for  us.  v.  28. — 
advent — when  He  will  return  to  complete  our  salvation  from  the  very 
presence  of  sin. 


HEBREWS  Page  Seventy-Seven 

CHAPTER  TEN 

Contents:  Law  only  a  shadow  of  things  to  come.  Through  Christ  a  way  made 
into  the  Holiest  for  all  believers.  Warning  to  the  Hebrews  who  were  wav- 
ering between  Jewish  sacrifices  and  Christ's  finished  work. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Moses. 

Conclusion:  The  legal  sacrifices  under  the  law,  which  were  but  shadows  of 
Christ's  atonement,  could  never  make  the  comers  perfect  nor  satisfy 
justice.  Now,  under  the  Gospel,  Christ's  atonement  is  perfect  and  not  to 
be  repeated,  and  the  sinner  once  pardoned,  is  ever  pardoned  as  to  his 
standing,  and  only  needs  to  walk  in  communion  with  God,  on  the  basis 
of  Christ's  blood,  to  have  a  continuous  sense  of  God's  pardon  and  favor. 

Key  Word:      Better  sacrifice,  v.  12. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  10,  12,  14,  16,  17,  19-25,  29,  31,  37. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  26-29.  In  v.  26,  "more  sacrifice"  should  be  "other  sacri- 
fice." If  this  "judgment  and  fiery  indignation"  were  the  penalty  of  every 
sin,  what  Christian  could  escape  for  there  is  none  who  has  not  since  con- 
verted given  way  to  sin  by  consent  of  the  will.  These  verses  must  be  taken 
with  the  context,  which  contrasts  the  inefficacious  and  oft-repeated  sacri- 
fices of  the  law  with  the  one  sacrifice  of  Christ.  There  were  many  Hebrews 
perfectly  enlightened,  having  witnessed  the  works  of  Christ  and  the  Holy 
Spirit,  but  who  deliberately  put  themselves  under  the  law,  trusting  to 
"other  sacrifices,"  thereby  treading  under  foot  the  blood  of  Christ. 

CHAPTER  ELEVEN 

Contents:      Superiority  of  the  way  of  faith.     Instances  of  faith. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Abel,  Cain,  Enoch,  Noah,  Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob, 
Sara,  Joseph,  Moses,  Pharaoh's  daughter,  Rahab,  Gideon,  Barak,  Samson, 
Jephthae,  David,  Samuel. 

Conclusion:  Faith  is  the  firm  persuasion  that  God  will  perform  all  that  He  has 
promised  to  us  in  Christ,  and  brings  the  soul  a  present  fruition  and  fore- 
taste of  eternal  things,  which  sets  a  seal  that  God  is  true.  The  way  of 
faith  is  the  way  of  victory,  peace,  assurance,  and  endurance. 

Key  Word:      Faith,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  6. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  2,  39.  The  effect  of  faith  with  God  is  "good  reputation." 
Is  it  any  wonder  that  God  cannot  be  pleased  when  men  are  devoid  of  that 
trust  in  His  Word  and  in  Jesus  Christ  whom  He  has  sent,  which  receives 
Him  as  Savior  and  Lord  and  impels  to  obedience  and  good  works? 

CHAPTER   TWELVE 

Contents:  The  Father's  chastening  of  believers  and  its  purpose.  The  differ- 
ence between  living  under  law  and  under  grace. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Esau,  Moses,  Abel. 

Conclusion:  Christians  have  a  race  to  run,  of  service  and  sufferings,  a  course 
of  active  and  passive  obedience,  in  all  of  which  they  need  to  keep  their 
eyes  fixed  upon  the  Lord  Jesus.  The  best  of  God's  children  may  need 
chastisement,  but  afflictions  rightly  endured,  though  they  be  the  fruits  of 
God's  displeasure  are  yet  proofs  of  His  paternal'love  and  designed  to  fit 
us  better  for  His  service  and  to  bring  us  closer  into  His  fellowship. 

Key  Word:      Chastening,  v.  5. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  2,  5,  6,  14,  25. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  1,  2.  Christ  is  not  only  the  object,  but  the  Author  of  our 
faith.  He  is  the  purchaser  of  the  Spirit  of  faith  and  the  publisher  of  the 
rule 'of  faith  and  the  cause  of  the  grace  of  faith.  He  is  also  the  finisher  of 
our  faith — the  fulfilling  of  all  Scripture  promises  and  prophecies,  the  fin- 
isher of  grace,  the  rewarder  of  faith  and  will  eventually  bring  faith  to  an 
end  by  bringing  us  to  Himself. 

CHAPTER  THIRTEEN 

Contents:      Exhortations  to  the  Christian.     Separation  and  worship.     Apostolic 

benediction. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Timothy. 
Conclusion:      Our  Lord  Jesus  purchased  us  with  His  blood  that  He  might  set 


Page  Seventy-Eight  HEBREWS 

us  apart  a  peculiar  people  zealous  of  good  works.  Let  us  therefore  seek 
to  excel  in  those  duties  becoming  to  Christians,  such  as  brotherly  love, 
generosity,  contentment,  obedience  to  those  over  us,  fixedness  in  the  faith, 
patient  suffering  with  Him  and  continual  praise. 

Key  Word:      Instructions. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  5,  8,  9,  14,   15,  16. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  12,  13.  Our  Lord  Jesus  was  the  perfect  anti-type  of  the 
sin  offering,  being  offered  "without  the  gate,"  a  striking  illustration  of 
His  humiliation  as  a  sin  bearer.  The  believer  is  therefore  exhorted  to  go 
forth  from  the  ceremonial  law,  from  sin,  from  the  world,  and  identify  him- 
self with  Christ,  being  willing  to  bear  His  reproach  in  gratitude  for  the 
salvation  He  has  provided. 


EPISTLE  TO  JAMES  Page  Seventy-Nine 

JAMES 

Key  Thought:              Number  of  Chapters:              Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Works                                              5                                      2:26  Lord  Drawing  nigh 


Writer  of  the  Book: 

James 

Date: 

A.   D.    60 

Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

The  evidence  of  faith  is 
good  works. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Testing  of  faith.  Solicitation  to  evil  not  of  God.  Obedience  as  a 
test  of  true  faith. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  James. 

Conclusion:  Such  as  have  a  true  title  in  Jesus  Christ  through  faith  may 
expect  to  be  called  upon  to  endure  many  tests  of  faith,  but  the -genuine- 
ness of  their  calling  will  be  manifest  by  their  stability  in  trial,  their 
fidelity  to  God  and  the  principles  of  Christianity,  their  activity  in  good 
works  and  the  co.ntrol  of  the  carnal  nature  at  all  times.  God  is  the  source 
of  wisdom  and  power  continually. 

Key  Word:      Tests  of  faith,  vv.  3,  8,  12,  22,  26. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  3,  5,  6,  12,  17,  22,  25,  27. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  The  tests  of  brotherly  love  and  good  words.  Justification  before 
men  by  our  works. 

Characters:      Christ,  James,  Abraham,  Isaac,  Rahab. 

Conclusion:  Those  who  are  possessors  of  Christ's  salvation,  which  the  poorest 
Christian  may  partake  of  equally  with  the  rich,  and  to  which  all  earthly 
glory  is  but  vanity,  should  not  make  men's  outward  advantages  the  meas- 
ure of  their  respect,  but  should  love  all,  rich  or  poor,  as  themselves. 

The  certain  evidence  of  faith  is  good  works.     While  it  is  faith  that 
justifies,  the  faith  that  justifies  can  never  be  alone. 

Key  Word:      Brotherly  love,  v.  8.     Works,  v.  14. 

Strong  Verses:      5,  8,  10,  14,  20. 

Striking  Facts:  There  is  perfect  harmony  between  James  and  Paul  on  justi- 
fication. Paul  is  considering  man  in  relation  to  God,  in  which  he  is 
"justified  by  faith  apart  from  works."  James  is  considering  man  in  rela- 
tion to  his  fellowman,  in  which  case  works  are  the  visible  evidence  of 
faith.  We  have  a  right  to  believe  that  a  profession  of  faith  which  bears 
no  fruit,  is  an  empty  profession. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:      Control  of  the  tongue. 

Characters:      God,  James. 

Conclusion:  The  Christian  who  is  not  affected  by  the  sins  of  the  tongue  but 
takes  care  to  avoid  them,  has  an  undoubted  sign  of  true  grace.  The  wis- 
dom and  grace  of  God  which  enables  one  to  control  the  tongue,  will  enable 
him  also  to  control  all  other  actions. 

Key  Word:      Tongue,  v.  5. 

Strong  Verses:      5,  6,  10,  17. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:      Rebuke  of  worldliness  and  exhortation  to  humility  before  God. 

Characters:      God,  Satan. 

Conclusion:  Worldly  and  fleshly  lusts  are  the  distemper  which  will  not  allow 
contentment  or  satisfaction  in  the  mind,  and  rise  up  to  the  exclusion  of 
prayer  and  the  working  of  our  affections  toward  God.  Let  the  Christian 
be  free  from  the  friendship  of  the  world,  and  be  submitted  to  God,  thus 
shutting  and  bolting  the  door  against  the  devil. 

Key  Word:      Lusts,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  3,  4,  7,  8,  10,  13,  14,  15,  17. 


Page  Eighty  JAMES 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  Warning  to  the  rich.  Exhortations  in  view  of  Christ's  second  com- 
ing. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Job,  Elias,  James. 

Conclusion:  Great  amassing  of  wealth  will  be  a  sign  of  the  last  days,  but  woe 
to  those  who  then  heap  together  treasure  for  themselves,  for  when  Christ 
comes  that  in  which  they  have  placed  their  hopes  will  bring  them  eternal 
misery.  Regardless  of  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked,  or  the  affliction  of 
the  righteous,  the  blessed  hope  of  Christ's  return  will  keep  the  believer 
steady  and  patient.  Let  this  therefore  incite  him  to  all  the  duties  of  the 
Gospel,  and  especially  to  patience  and  prayer. 

Key  Word:      Last  days,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      7,  8,  10,  16,  20. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  7,  8.  Here  we  see  Christ's  waiting  for  the  precious  fruit 
of  the  earth,  the  gathering  in  of  the  elect.  In  2  Thess.  3:5  we  have  the 
saint's  waiting  for  Him.  The  hope  of  His  coming  is  the  only  solution  of 
the  complicated  problems  that  will  arise  in  the  last  days  between  capital 
and  labor,  (vv.  1-6.) 


FIRST  EPISTLE  OF  PETER  Page  Eighty-One 

l.  PETER 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Christian's  hope  5  2:7  Suffering  Lamb 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Those  who   are  walking 
with   Christ  will  be  en- 
Peter  A.   D.   60  abled  to  suffer  patiently, 

joyously  and  to  the  glory 
of  God. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      Christian's  conduct  under  suffering  in  the  light  of  full  salvation. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Peter. 

Conclusion:  The  true  Christian's  hope  of  eternal  life  and  a  glorious  inherit- 
ance through  the  precious  sacrifice  and  resurrection  of  Christ,  is  a  hope 
that  quickens  him  to  service,  supports  him  in  every  trial  of  faith  and  con- 
ducts him  in  a  way  of  holiness  to  heaven. 

Key  Word:      Living  hope,  vv.  3,  5,  7,  13,  25. 

Strong  Verses :      3,  4,  5,  7,  8,  13,  15,  18,  19,  23,  24,  25. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  18,  19.  The  blood  of  Christ  is  precious  because  it  redeems 
(v.  19).  Brings  us  nigh  to  God  (Eph.  2:13).  Blots  out  our  sins  (Rev.  1:5). 
Brings  peace  (Col.  1:20).  (Justifies)  (Rom.  5:9).  Cleanses  (1  John 
1:7). 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Exhortation  to  holiness  and  growth  in  view  of  Christ's  great  sacri- 
fice. Christ's  vicarious  sufferings. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Peter. 

Conclusion:  The  Word  of  God  is  the  proper  and  necessary  food  for  the  soul, 
which,  if  rightly  used,  does  not  leave  a  man  as  it  finds  him,  but  improves 
him,  causing  him  to  realize  his  spiritual  position  in  the  world,  the  duty 
of  patient  and  Christlike  submission,  and  the  necessity  of  purging  out 
those  things  from  the  life  which  are  contrary  to  Christ. 

Key  AVord:      Growth,  vv.  2,  21. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  5,  9,  11,  15,  19,  20,  21,  24. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  8.  Christ  crucified  is  the  Rock.  To  the  church  He  is  the 
foundation  and  chief  corner  stone  (Eph.  2:20).  To  the  Jews,  at  His 
first  advent,  a  stumbling  stone  (Rom.  9:32,  33;  1  Cor.  1:23).  To  Israel 
at  His  second  advent  he  will  be  made  headstone  of  the  corner  (Zech.  6:7). 
To  the  Gentile  world  powers  at  His  second  coming,  He  will  become  the 
smiting  stone  (Dan.  2:34). 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  Duties  of  husbands  and  wives  toward  one  another.  Exhortations 
to  Christian  consistency.  Christ's  vicarious  sacrifice. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Sara,  Abraham. 

Conclusion:  Worldly  men  are  strict  observers  of  the  manner  of  life  of  the 
professors  of  religion.  A  chaste  conversation  with  Christian  respect  in 
the  home  life  and  careful  Christian  conduct  toward  all,  following  the 
Lord  Jesus  especially  in  His  example  of  suffering  for  righteousness  sake, 
is  an  excellent  means  to  win  men  to  the  faith  of  the  Gospel. 

Key  Word:      Good  conversation,  v.  16. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  7,  10,  12,  13,  15,  16,  17,  18. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  18-20.  The  word  "preached"  is  lit.  "Heralded."  Christ's 
spirit  at  His  death  heralded  the  triumph  of  the  cross  in  the  spirit  world. 
There  is  no  indication  of  any  chance  for  repentance  either  of  angel  or  man. 
The  saved  spirits  who  awaited  Him  in  Paradise,  upon  the  announcement 
of  the  finished  work  of  the  cross  went  with  Him  above,  whence  He  then 


Page  Eighty-Two  FIRST  PETER 

removed  Paradise,  and  they  will  appear  with  Him  at  His  second  advent  to 
receive  their  glorified  bodies. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Exhortations  to  mortification  of  sin  and  living  unto  God.  Suffer- 
ing with  Christ. 

Characters:      God,  Christ. 

Conclusion:  Christ  having  suffered  so  much  for  us,  should  cause  us  to  fortify 
ourselves  with  His  mind,  courage  and  resolution,  living  no  longer  to  the 
flesh  but  being  conformed  to  the  holy  will  of  God,  as  those  who  must  give 
account  any  day  at  His  appearing.  We  should  rejoice  to  suffer  with  Christ 
for  righteousness'  sake,  knowing  that  if  we  are  in  His  hands  our  suffering 
will  promote  the  Gospel  and  prepare  us  for  glory. 

Key  Word:      Godly  living,  vv.  2,  7,  19. 

Strong  Verses:      7,  10,  12,  13,  14,  16,  18,  19. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  1.  Some  of  the  strongest  arguments  against  sin  are  taken 
from  the  suffering  of  Christ.  He  died  to  destroy  sin,  and  having  sub- 
mitted to  such  sufferings  on  account  of  sin,  why  should  we  grieve  Him 
by  continuing  in  sin?  All  sympathy  with  Christ  is  lost  if  we  do  not  put 
away  sin. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:      Christian  service  in  view  of  Christ's  soon  coming. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Peter,  Satan,  Silvanus,  Marcus. 

Conclusion:  Humility  is  a  great  preserver  "of  peace  and  order  in  the  church, 
giving  to  Christ's  ministers  a  proper  attitude  toward  the  flock  and  to 
His  people  a  proper  submission  to  their  leaders  in  the  Lord.  There  is 
mutual  opposition  between  God  and  the  proud,  but  he  who  is  humble 
before  God  will  find  grace  for  every  trial  and  power  to  meet  every  assault 
of  the  devil. 

Key  Word:      Humility,  v.  5,  vigilance,  v.  8. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  6,  7,  8,  10. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  6.  The  best  definition  of  humility  is  found  in  John  13:4, 
5.  Our  Lord  Jesus  was  the  perfect  embodiment  of  humility. 


SECOND  EPISTLE  OF  PETER  Page  Eighty-Three 

II.    PETER 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Last  days  3  1   Pet.   2:7  Lord  of  Glory 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

The  believer  must  be 
pure  and  loyal  in  the 

Peter  A.   D.   66  days    of    corruption    and 

apostasy,  and  hastening 
the  coming  of  Christ  by 
every  means. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      The  great  Christian  virtues.     God's  Word  exalted. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Peter. 

Conclusion:  The  Christian  should  be  diligent  to  add  one  Christian  grace  to 
another  that  he  may  bring  glory  to  God  by  abounding  in  much  fruit  among 
men  and  that  his  own  calling  and  election  may  be  thereby  thoroughly 
tested  out.  He  should  the  more  seek  to  obey  God's  Word  because  it  is 
God-inspired,  of  undoubted  truth,  and  therefore  of  vast  concern. 

Key  Word:      Fruitful  life,  v.  8. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  5,  6,  7,  10,  19,  21. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  16.  The  plan  of  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ  is  eminently  the 
council  of  the  infinitely  wise  Jehovah,  for  certainly  man  could  not  have 
invented  it.  He  is  the  Messiah  promised  by  the  prophecies  and  publicly 
owned  by  the  Father  from  the  opened  heavens. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

.Contents:      Warnings  concerning  apostate  teachers. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Noah,  Lot,  Balaam. 

Conclusion:  Where  God  sends  His  true  messengers  with  His  Word,  the  devil 
always  sends  some  to  seduce  and  deceive,  and  especially  to  deny  Christ's 
redemptive  work.  Such  men  bring  swift  destruction  upon  themselves, 
even  though  they  prosper  for  a  while. 

Key  Word:      False  teachers,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  9. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  1.  Smooth-tongued  false  teachers  seldom  deny  Jesus  Christ 
"who  TAUGHT"  but  they  do  deny  Jesus  "who  BOUGHT."  The  devil  hates 
the  doctrine  of  the  CROSS  of  Christ,  and  hence  all  the  conflicting  theories 
as  to  His  death. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  Return  of  the  Lord  and  the  Day  of  Jehovah.  Christ's  return  to  be 
generally  denied. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Peter. 

Conclusion:  The  general  denial  that  will  be  made  in  the  last  days  of  the 
possibility  of  Christ's  return,  should  not  unsettle  the  believer,  but  quicken 
and  excite  him  to  a  serious  minded  and  firm  adhering  to  what  God  has 
revealed  in  His  Word.  Those  who  now  scoff  will  find  the  day  of  Christ's 
coming  a  day  of  terrible  vengeance. 

Key  Word:      Day  of  the  Lord,  v.  10. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  4,  8,  9,  10,  13,  14,  15,  18. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  3.  Men  may  talk  about  the  stability  of  natural  laws  and 
the  foolishness  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ's  second  coming,  but  the  Christian 
faith  signifies  little  without  it.  It  is  the  finishing  stroke  which  must  com- 
plete all  the  great  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  and  is  therefore  a  day  for  which 
the  Christian  is  to  look  (v.  12)  and  strive  to  hasten,  by  the  bringing  in 
of  souls  for  the  completion  of  the  church. 


Page  Eighty-Four  FIRST  EPISTLE  OF  JOHN 


I.  JOHN 


Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Assurance  5  5:13          Coming  Son  of  God 


Writer  of  the  Book: 

Apostle  John 

Date: 

A.  D.  90 

Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

Salvation    through    our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  brings 
a  life  of  fellowship  with 
God,  joyfulness,  victory, 
safety  and  certainty. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Fellowship  with  God  made  possible  through  the  incarnation.  Con- 
ditions of  perpetual  fellowship — walking  in  the  light  and  confessing  sins. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  John. 

Conclusion:  Fellowship  with  the  Father,  which  has  been  made  possible  through 
the  incarnation  of  Christ,  the  eternal  Word,  can  be  maintained  only  by 
walking  in  the  light,  which  signifies  the  recognizing  of  our  sins  with  frank 
confession  of  them  and  forsaking  of  them  as  they  are  revealed  to  us, 
and  belief  in  Christ  crucified  as  the  remedy  for  sin. 

Key  Word:      Fellowship,  v.  6. 

Strong  Verses:      6,  7,  8,  9,  10. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  9.  Our  sins  were  judicially  dealt  with  at  the  cross  (1  Pet. 
2:24)  which  results  in  eternal  life,  but  unconfessed  and  unforsaken  sin 
in  the  believer  brings  the  loss  of  fellowship  with  God  and  chastisement. 
(1  Cor.  11:31-33)  Confession  of  sin  would  not  bring  fellowship  with  God, 
unless  the  sinner  had  accepted  the  finished  work  of  Christ  on  the  cross. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Christ's  advocacy  for  the  believer.  Tests  of  fellowship,  obedience 
and  love.  Warning  against  worldliness  and  apostates. 

Characters:      God,    Christ,    John,    Satan,    anti-christ. 

Conclusion:  To  know  God  and  the  power  of  His  love  is  impossible  without 
practical  observance  of  His  Word,  which  means  that  we  must  seek  to  walk 
as  Christ  walked,  in  love  toward  our  fellowmen  and  in  separation  from  the 
things  of  the  world.  To  profess  to  know  God  and  yet  deny  Jesus  as  the 
Christ  is  to  brand  oneself  as  given  up  to  the  delusions  of  the  devil. 

Key  Word:      Knowing  Him,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  2,   6,   15,   17,   22,   23. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  1.  Even  the  most  advanced  believers  have  their  sins,  but 
there  is  a  distinction  between  them  and  the  sinners  of  the  world,  for  the 
former  have  an  Advocate  in  heaven.  As  they  have  had  Christ's  blood  ap- 
plied to  them  upon  their  acceptance  of  Him,  so  they  have  an  Advocate 
to  procure  their  continued  forgiveness  as  they  confess  their  sins. 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  God's  love  magnified  and  the  believer  exhorted  to  holiness.  Brother- 
ly love  urged.  How  our  hearts  may  be  assured  before  God. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Satan,  Cain,  John. 

Conclusion:  It  is  a  wonderful  and  condescending  love  of  the  Father  that  we, 
who  by  nature  are  heirs  of  sin,  guilt  and  the  curse,  should  be  called  the 
sons  of  God  and  given  such  hopes  in  Christ.  It  is  a  contradiction  to  such 
love  and  hope  to  live  in  sin  and  impurity.  Purity,  love  and  a  clear  con- 
science toward  God  are  marks  of  our  transition  into  this  state  of  life. 

Key  Word:      Purity,  v.  3.      Love,  v.  14. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  2,  3,  5,  6,  14,  16,  17,  18,  22,  23,  24. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  2-3.  The  time  of  the  revelation  of  the  sons  of  God  in 
their  proper  state  and  in  bodies  like  unto  His  glorious  body,  awaits  the 


FIRST  JOHN  Page  Eighty-Five 

second  coming  of  Christ.  This  is  the  purifying  hope  of  the  church  which 
engages  all  believers  to  the  prosecution  of  holy  living  that  they  might  be 
in  readiness  to  meet  Him  unashamed  at  His  coming. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Christians  warned  of  false  doctrines  concerning  Christ's  person 
and  work.  Tests  of  the  true. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  anti-christ,  John. 

Conclusion:  God's  people  must  be  ever  cautious  concerning  false  teachers 
that  may  arise  to  deny  the  incarnation,  deity  and  atonement  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  and  must  accept  none  of  their  claims  without  testing  them  by  God's 
Truth  in  the  light  of  the  Holy  Spirit's  teaching.  The  spirit  of  truth  is 
known  not  only  by  doctrine  but  by  love  which  is  the  natural  fruit  of  the 
Spirit.  The  manifestation  of  divine  love  through  the  life  argues  a  true  and 
just  apprehension  of  the  divine  nature,  and  such  love  can  never  deny  the 
Lord  Jesus. 

Key  Word:      Truth  and  error,  v.  6.     Love,  v.  7. 

Strong  Verses:      1,   4,   7,   8,   9,   10,   11,  15,  19,   20. 

Striking  Facts:  Seven  tests  of  true  doctrine  are  given  here.  Does  it  confess 
Christ's  true  humanity?  vv.  9,  15.  His  vicarious  atonement?  vv.  10,  14. 
Does  it  tend  to  worldliness?  vv.  4,  5.  Do  spiritually  minded  people  agree 
with  it?  v.  6.  Does  it  witness  to  the  spirit  of  divine  love?  vv.  7,  8.  Does 
it  accord  with  the  teaching  of  the  Holy  Spirit?  v.  13. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  Faith  the  overcoming  principle.  The  advantages  of  faith  in  sal- 
vation, prayer,  preservation  from  sin. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Satan,  John. 

Conclusion:  He  who  has  been  born  again  through  Jesus  Christ  will  manifest 
the  effect  of  regeneration,  which  is  a  spiritual  conquest  of  the  world. 
Faith  is  the  means,  the  instrument  and  spiritual  armor  and  artillery  by 
which  the  believer  may  overcome  the  world,  Satan  and  sin,  and  ask  and 
receive  of  God  all  that  is  needful  in  this  life. 

Key  Word:      Overcoming  faith,  v.  4. 

Strong  Verses:      1,  4,  5,  10,  11,  12,  13,  14,  15. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  6.  Jesus  in  His  death  had  a  double  purpose,  not  only  to 
save  us  from  hell  but  to  cleanse  us.  We  are  denied  inwardly  by  the  pollu- 
tion of  sin.  Through  Him  we  have  "the  washing  of  regeneration."  We 
are  denied  outwardly  by  the  guilt  of  sin,  and  by  His  blood  we  are  separated 
from  sin's  condemnation.  (Heb.  9:22.  See  Jn.  19:34-35.) 


Page  Eighty-Six* 


SECOND  EPISTLE  OF  JOHN 


II.    JOHN 


Key  Thought:              Number 

See  below 

of  Chapters: 

1 

Key  Verse: 

See  below 

Christ  seen  as: 

Son  of  God  and 
Son  of  man 

Writer  of  the  Book: 

John 

Date: 

A.  D.  90 

Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

See  below. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Truth  and  love  inseparable  in  the  Christian  life.  Doctrine  the 
test  of  reality. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  John,  elect  lady,  anti-christ. 

Conclusion:  The  test  of  our  love  to  God  is  universal  obedience  to  Him,  and  we 
have  need  to  maintain  this  love,  for  there  are  many  destroyers  of  it  in 
the  world — those  who  subvert  the  faith,  denying  the  person  or  the  work 
of  Jesus  Christ.  Let  such  men  not  be  entertained  as  ministers  of  Christ, 
nor  given  support  in  any  way. 

Key  Word:      Truth  and  love,  v.  3. 

Strong  Verses:      6,  9,  10. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  9.  The  most  important  doctrine  in  the  Word  is  the  doc- 
trine concerning  the  person  and  work  of  Jesus  Christ.  If  one  is  unsound 
in  this,  they  are  bound  to  be  wrong  everywhere.  All  turns  on  "what  think 
ye  of  Christ?"  He  that  denieth  the  Son  hath  not  the  Father. 


THIRD  EPISTLE  OF  JOHN  Page  Eighty-Seven 

III.    JOHN 


Key  Thought:             Number 

See  below 

of  Chapters: 

1 

Key  Verse: 

See  below 

Christ  seen  as: 

True  Helper  to 
the  Truth,  v.  8 

Writer  of  the  Book: 

John 

Date: 
A.  D.  90 

Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

See  below. 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  Exhortation  concerning  ministering  brethren.  The  domineering 
Diotrephes  and  the  good  Demetrius. 

Characters:      John,  Gaius,  Diotrephes,  Demetrius. 

Conclusion:  Ministers  of  Christ  should  abound  in,  and  joy  in  hospitality  to- 
ward fellow  helpers  in  the  Lord,  and  should  beware  of  the  peril  of  a 
domineering  leadership  which  stands  in  the  way  of  blessing  to  the  people 
of  God. 

Key  Word:      Fellow  helpers,  v.  8. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  11. 


JUDE 


Key  Thought:             Number 

Kept  and  contending 

of  Chapters: 

1 

Key 

See 

Verse: 

below 

Christ  seen  as: 

Coming  Judge 

Writer  of  the 

Jude 

Book 

:                               Date: 

A.  D.  66 

Conclusion  of  the 

See  below. 

Book: 

SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:  The  apostasy  and  apostate  teachers  described.  Assurance  and 
comfort  for  true  believers. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Jude,  James,  Michael,  Moses,  Cain, 
Balaam,  Enoch,  Adam. 

Conclusion:  Believers  must  be  on  their  guard  lest  they  be  robbed  of  any 
essential  article  of  Christian  faith  by  the  cunning  craftiness  or  plausible 
pretenses  of  ungodly  men  who  pose  as  teachers  and  lie  in  wait  to  deceive. 
Our  duty  in  the  presence  of  the  apostasy  is  to  earnestly  contend  for  the 
faith,  trusting  to  be  kept  from  stumbling  by  walking  in  the  perpetual 
consciousness  of  God's  love  through  Christ,  looking  toward  the  day  when 
we  shall  be  presented  before  Him  with  exceeding  joy. 

Key  Word:      Apostasy,  vv.  4,  18. 

Strong  Verses:      3(b),  21,  24,  25. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  21.  We  can  be  kept  in  the  perpetual  consciousness  of  God's 
love  only  as  we  depend  upon  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  Jesus — that  is — His 
mercy,  not  our  merit  being  our  constant  plea.  He  has  merited  for  us 
what  we  could  never,  otherwise,  lay  claim  to.  The  only  way  to  stand  be- 
fore Him  flawless  is  to  rest  in  His  merits  and  walk  in  His  love. 


BOOK  OF  REVELATION  Page  Eighty-Nine 

REVELATION 

Key  Thought:  Number  of  Chapters:  Key  Verse:  Christ  seen  as: 

Overcome  1:1  Sitter  upon  the 

throne. 

Writer  of  the  Book:  Date:  Conclusion  of  the  Book: 

The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is 
the  gloriously  exalted 
One,  the  Alpha  and 

Apostle  John  A.  D.  96  Omega.     He  is  the  High 

Priest  of  His  people;  the 
Bridegroom  of  the 
Church;  the  King-Judge 
of  all  mankind. 


SUMMARY 

CHAPTER  ONE 

Contents:      The  Patmos  vision  of  John  and  the  command  to  write. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  John. 

Conclusion:  Jesus  Christ,  the  Alpha  and  the  Omega,  speaks  to  believers 
through  the  Apostle  John  concerning  things  past,  the  things  which  are 
and  the  things  which  shall  be  hereafter.  Blessed  are  they  who  make  this 
Book  their  meditation  and  regard  those  things  which  are  written  therein, 
for  they  shall  shortly  come  to  pass. 

Key  Word:      Revelation,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  5,  6,  7,  18. 

Striking  Facts:  This  book  is  the  only  book  having  the  Lord  Jesus  Himself  as 
Author  (v.  1).  It  is  a  "revelation,"  which  means  "an  unveiling"  or  "dis- 
closure," not  a  mystery,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  has  attached  His  benediction 
to  it  to  encourage  us  to  read,  hear  and  keep  (v.  3).  Notice  in  v.  5  that 
He  Who  speaks  from  heaven  is  He  Who  "washed  us  from  our  sins  in  His 
own  blood."  Heaven's  anthem  magnifies  the  blood  of  Christ  above  every- 
thing else. 

CHAPTER  TWO 

Contents:  Message  to  Ephesus  concerning  things  "which  are."  Their  first 
love  left.  Message  to  Pergamos  concerning  false  doctrines.  Message  to 
Smyrna  concerning  persecutions.  Message  to  Thyatira  concerning  Ba- 
laamism  and  Nicolaitanism. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Messengers  of  Ephesus,  Smyrna,  Perga- 
mos, and  Thyratira,  John,  Satan,  Antipas,  Balaam,  Balac,  Jezebel. 

Conclusion:  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the  Holy  Spirit  would 
say  to  the  Church,  and  let  him  beware  lest  by  turning  a  deaf  ear  to  the 
voice  of  the  Spirit  he  lose  his  faculty  of  spiritual  hearing  and  thus  grow 
cold  toward  Christ,  be  without  victory  in  tribulations  or  find  himself  an 
apostate  carried  away  by  every  wind  of  doctrine.  Those  are  bound  to  be 
overcomers  under  every  test  whose  faith  keeps  them  in  vital  touch  with 
Jesus  Christ,  the  Head  of  the  Church  (1  Jno.  4:4). 

Key  Word:      Messages  to  Churches  (Overcoming),  vv.  7,  11,  17,  26. 

Strong  Verses:      4,  7,  10,  11. 

Striking  Fact*:  The  letters  to  the  Churches  are  Epistles  of  Christ  dictated 
before  the  throne  (v.  1)  and  with  holy  awe  we  should  therefore  read,  then 
obey  them.  While  these  letters  deal  with  Churches  existing  in  John's 
time,  it  is  believed  that  they  are  also  symbolical  of  seven  stages  of  the 
Church  during  the  present  Church  age,  because  Jesus  speaks  of  the  "mys- 
tery" connected  with  them;  because  of  the  number  "seven"  connected  with 
them,  and  always  symbolical  in  this  book;  because  the  promises  and  warn- 
ings are  continuous  and  because  the  prophetic  view  corresponds  exactly 
with  events  thus  far  in  the  history  of  the  Church. 


Page  Ninety  REVELATION 

CHAPTER  THREE 

Contents:  Message  to  Sardis  concerning  their  hypocrisy.  Message  to  Phil- 
adelphia on  hollow  profession.  Message  to  Laodicea  on  apostasy.  Christ's 
attitude  to  the  Church  in  its  final  stage  in  the  world. 

Characters:  God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  Messengers  of  Sardis,  Philadelphia,  and 
Laodicea,  David,  John,  Satan. 

Conclusion:  Let  the  believer  keep  his  spiritual  ears  open  continually,  for  the 
voice  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  lest  he  be  found  merely  professing  the  name  of 
Christian,  and  not  having  the  power  thereof,  or  lest  he  grow  lukewarm 
toward  Christ,  and  so  be  taken  unawares,  or  even  found  to  be  a  counter- 
feit at  the  sudden  appearing  of  Christ  in  glory. 

Key  Word:      Message  to  Church   (overcoming),  vv.   5,  12,  21. 

Strong  Verses:      3,   5,   10,   11,   12,   18,   20,   21. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  20.  Supper  is  the  evening  meal,  the  last  taken  before 
the  morning  breaks  and  the  day  dawns.  This  verse  is  a  picture  of  Christ 
seeking  entrance  to  the  Church  of  the  final  state,  and  calling  for  individ- 
uals out  of  it  who  will  sup  with  Him.  "The  night  is  far  spent;  the  day 
is  at  hand."  To  sup  with  Him  before  the  morning  breaks  is  the  foretaste 
of  coming  glory. 

CHAPTER  FOUR 

Contents:  Things  which  shall  be.  Vision  of  the  throne  in  heaven,  the  en- 
throned elders,  the  four  living  creatures  and  their  worship  with  the  elders 
because  of  creation. 

Characters:      Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  John,  24  elders. 

Conclusion:  The  day  is  approaching  when  there  shall  be  a  shifting  of  scenes 
in  heaven  and  God  shall  prepare  to  execute  all  His  purposes  toward  the 
earth.  Thundering  black  clouds  shall  gather  for  His  last  judgment  upon 
the  earth,  but  even  in  the  darkness  of  that  day  a  bow  in  the  cloud  will 
be  seen  reflecting  the  glory  of  God  in  the  storm  and  reminding  that  God 
has  not  forgotten  His  covenants.  In  that  day  the  saints  in  heaven  will 
contrast  the  perfect  rest  of  heaven  with  the  troubled  waters  of  earth  and 
will  give  great  glory  to  Him. 

Key  Word:      Things  coming  to  pass,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      11. 

Striking  Facts:  Christ  is  not  seen  here  upon  the  throne,  but  as  having  risen 
for  the  execution  of  other  purposes  which  effect  the  establishment  of  His 
Messianic  Kingdom.  Heaven  is  preparing  to  execute  judgment  prior  to 
Christ's  coming  with  His  saints  to  reign.  The  elders  are  seen  identified 
with  Him  in  the  judgment  about  to  be  executed.  May  they  not  be  the 
united  royal  priesthood,  redeemed  and  glorified?  The  answer  as  to  how 
they  got  there  is  not  given  here,  but  will  be  found  answered  as  we  proceed. 

CHAPTER  FIVE 

Contents:  Vision  of  the  seven  sealed  books.  Christ  seen  in  His  Kingly  char- 
acter. Angels,  elders  and  living  creatures  exalt  the  Lamb  who  is  King. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  John,  strong  angel,  elders,  four  creatures. 

Conclusion:  It  will  be  none  other  than  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Who  as  the 
Lamb  of  God  was  slain  and  rejected  of  men,  Who  will  yet  be  manifested 
as  the  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  breaking  the  seals  of  God's  wrath 
against  sinners  upon  the  earth.  He  Who  alone  was  worthy  to  redeem 
mankind  with  His  precious  blood,  is  worthy  to  take  man's  judgment  in 
hand.  Happy  are  they  who  shall  in  that  day  be  with  the  ransomed  ones 
in  heaven  joining  in  the  new  song,  associating  with  Him  in  judgment  and 
preparing  to  reign  with  Him. 

Key  Word:      Sealed  book,  v.  1. 

Strong  Verses:      9,  10,  12. 

Striking  Facts:  The  Lion  and  the  Lamb  are  One  (v.  5).  The  sacrifice  of  the 
Lamb  made  Him  the  Saviour  of  the  redeemed,  but  He  is  yet  to  assume 
power  as  the  Lion,  for  the  execution  of  judgment  when  His  purpose  in 
the  Church  is  perfected.  Notice  in  v.  9  that  it  is  the  blood  that  the  saints 
are  still  singing  about. 

CHAPTER  SIX 

Contents:      The  opening  of  the  seals. 
Characters:      Christ,  John. 


REVELATION  Page  Ninety-Otic 

Conclusion:  Woe  to  those  who  dwell  upon  the  earth  in  the  days  of  the  great 
Tribulation,  when  the  wrath  of  God  is  poured  forth  for  the  final  cleansing 
of  the  earth.  "Except  those  days  should  be  shortened  no  flesh  should  en- 
dure." There  will  be  terrible  wars,  famines,  pestilence,  earthquakes,  dis- 
turbances in  the  heavens,  and  fear  among  men.  (See  Mt.  24:1-31.) 

Key  Word:      Day  of  wrath,  v.  17. 

Strong  Verses:      15-17. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  16-17.  This  will  be  the  last  great  prayer  meeting  of  earth, 
when  men  that  have  rejected  Christ  shall  discover  that  the  Lamb  Whom 
they  have  slaughtered  and  insulted  is  the  Judge  of  all. 

CHAPTER  SEVEN 

Contents:  A  parenthetical  chapter  on  the  saved  of  the  tribulation  period.  The 
remnant  of  Israel  sealed. 

Characters:      God,  John, -four  angels. 

Conclusion:  In  the  great  time  of  unexampled  trouble  which  is  to  fall  upon 
the  earth  after  the  translation  of  the  saints,  there  shall  be  a  vast  company 
of  repentant  Israelites  sealed  for  preservation,  and  a  multitude  of  the 
Gentiles,  moved  to  repentance  toward  Christ,  shall  find  salvation  through 
His  shed  blood,  but  at  the  cost  of  martyrdom  (v.  14.  See  6:9-11). 

Key  Word:      Remnant  sealed,  vv.  3,   13,   14. 

Strong  Verses:      9,  10,  14,  17. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  10.  14.  The  cry  of  these  who  come  up  out  of  the  Great 
Tribulation  is  not  the  same  as  the  cry  of  redemption  (5:9).  It  is  the  cry 
of  salvation  from  judgment.  While  it  is  the  blood  of  Christ  which  has  pur- 
chased them  this  release,  yet  they  are  not  members  of  the  Body  of  Christ, 
the  Church  which  is  to  be  completed  by  the  Holy  Spirit  before  the  Tribula- 
tion begins.  They  are  a  separate  company. 

CHAPTER  EIGHT 

Contents:  Opening  of  the  seventh  seal  from  which  seven  trumpets  come.  Four 
of  the  trumpet  judgments  announced. 

Characters:      John,  seven  angels,  angel  with  censor. 

Conclusion:  Woe  to  those  who,  by  their  rejection  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  will 
find  themselves  left  upon  the  earth  to  taste  the  sufferings  of  the  Great 
Tribulation.  Satanic  forces  will  be  allowed  abroad  without  restraint, 
bringing  fear  upon  all  men  by  reason  of  conditions  in  the  earth  and  in  the 
heavens  above. 

Key  Word:      Trumpet  judgments,  v.  6. 

Strong  Verses:      4. 

CHAPTER  NINE 

Contents:      Judgments  of  the  fifth  and  sixth  trumpets. 

Characters:      God,  angels,  John,  Abaddon. 

Conclusion:  So  fearful  and  unbearable  will  conditions  be  in  the  Great  Tribu- 
lation days  when  Satanic  powers  are  unrestrained,  that  men  shall  long  for 
death  and  even  try  to  commit  suicide,  but  will  find  the  power  of  self- 
destruction  taken  away  from  them.  Happy  are  they  who  shall  escape 
all  these  things,  that  shall  come  to  pass,  through  true  faith  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

Key  Word:      Trumpet  woes,  v.  12. 

Strong  Verses:      6. 

CHAPTER  TEN 

Contents:  Parenthetical  explanation  (to  11:14).  The  angel  and  the  little 
book.  The  book  eaten. 

Characters:      John,   mighty  angel. 

Conclusion:  The  day  is  approaching  when  all  those  mysterious  judgment  pic- 
tures of  God's  Word  shall  be  made  real  in  action  (v.  7).  Apocalyptic 
studies  are  understood  by  those  who  walk  in  close  fellowship  with  God 
and  while  they  have  their  charm,  to  the  true  man  of  God,  they  have  also 
their  bitterness  when  really  appropriated,  by  reason  of  the  startling  and 
terrible  prospective  they  reveal  (v.  9). 

Key  Word:      Little  book,  v.  2. 

Strong  Verses:      9. 


Page  Ninety-Two  REVELATION 

CHAPTER  ELEVEN 

Contents:  Times  of  the  Gentiles  to  end  in  a  period  of  forty-two  months.  Two 
heavenly  witnesses  will  prophecy  on  the  earth.  The  seventh  trumpet 
judgment. 

Characters:      God,  Holy  Spirit,  Christ,  John,  two  witnesses,  beast,  elders. 

Conclusion:  The  Tribulation  days  which  close  the  times  of  the  Gentiles  shall 
culminate  in  a  period  of  intense  troubles  lasting  42  months  (3%  years). 
When  these  days  shall  come,  God  will  send  two  messengers  to  earth  to 
give  warning.  They  will  be  despitefully  treated  and  killed  as  was  our 
Lord  and  the  prophets  before  Him.  Woe  to  those  who  shall  see  these 
days,  but  happy  those  who  through  Jesus  Christ  are  safe  with  Him  and 
engaged  eternally  in  His  praises. 

Key  Word:      Tribulation,  witnesses,   v.    3. 

Strong  Verses:      15,  18. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  3,  15.  As  the  days  of  Christ's  reign  approach  there  will 
be  increased  announcement  of  the  apocalyptic  truths  which  will  be  scoffed 
at  by  the  majority.  (2  Pet.  3:3-4)  The  final  announcement  will  be  made 
in  the  midst  of  the  great  Tribulation  by  heaven-prepared  witnesses,  as 
His  first  advent  was  announced  by  John  the  Baptist.  With  this  testimony 
rejected  and  the  witnesses  killed,  men  will  be  abandoned  to  the  terrible 
days  of  the  last  half  of  the  Tribulation,  after  which  Christ  will  come  to 
reign  forever. 

CHAPTER  TWELVE 

Contents:  The  woman  clothed  with  the  sun  (Israel).  Satan  drawing  the  stars. 
The  man-child  (Christ)  caught  up  to  the  throne.  The  arch-angel  and  his 
angels  fighting  Satan.  Satan  and  Israel  in  the  great  Tribulation. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Michael,  Satan. 

Conclusion:  Israel  out  of  which  came  the  Messiah  Who  was  rejected,  will  in 
the  midst  of  the  great  Tribulation  suffer  terrible  anguish  because  of  Him, 
and  will  be  subjected  to  terrors  of  Satan  himself,  who  will  then  be  unre- 
strained and  knowing  that  he  has  but  a  short  time.  However,  those  whom 
God  shall  seal  of  Israel  will  be  brought  through  those  terrible  days,  though 
many  will  suffer  martyrdom,  but  they  will  then  die  willingly  for  Him, 
acknowledging  Him  their  King,  their  sacrifice  and  their  Lord. 

Key  Word:      Satan's  wrath,  v.  12. 

Strong  Verses:      9,  10,  11. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  9-10.  In  the  midst  of  the  great  Tribulation,  Satan  will 
be  cast  out  of  the  heavenlies  and  will  be  free  in  the  earth.  This  will  be 
a  happy  time  for  those  who  are  in  heaven  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  but 
a  time  of  terrible  trial  for  Israel  and  eternal  woe  for  the  Gentiles  who 
submit  to  the  mark  of  the  beast.  The  only  salvation  in  those  days  will  be 
bold  confession  of  faith  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  which  will  mean 
martyrdom  to  all  except  those  sealed  for  physical  preservation. 

CHAPTER  THIRTEEN 

Contents:      The  beast  out  of  the  sea  and  the  beast  out  of  the  earth. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  John,  false  prophet,  anti-christ,   Satan. 

Conclusion:  In  the  midst  of  the  Tribulation  period  there  shall  rise  up  two 
great  world  leaders,  one  a  political  leader  inspired  by  Satan  himself,  the 
other  a  religious  leader  to  deceive  the  people  with  strong  delusions  and 
either  lead  them  or  force  them  to  worship  the  anti-christ  as  the  long  ex- 
pected world-ruler.  These  two  Satanic  deceivers  shall  prevail  upon  all 
except  those  who  risk  all  to  boldly  acknowledge  their  belief  in  the  Lamb 
of  God  slain  from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 

Key  Word:      Two  beasts,  vv.  1,  11. 

Strong  Verses:      18. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  8.  Salvation  in  the  great  Tribulation  is  still  based  on 
the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ.  Those  who  are  then  saved,  however,  must  boldly 
confess  their  faith  before  a  world  of  hostile  witnesses,  which  will  mean 
nothing  short  of  martyrdom,  except  to  those  few  sealed  in  Israel.  May 
God  help  every  reader  of  these  words  to  make  sure  their  calling  and  elec- 
tion while  the  days  of  grace  are  still  lasting! 


REVELATION  Page  Ninety-Three 

CHAPTER  FOURTEEN 

Contents:  Vision  of  the  Lamb  and  the  144,000  sealed  Israelites.  The  angel 
with  the  everlasting  gospel.  Fall  of  Babylon.  The  doom  of  the  beast 
worshippers.  Blessedness  of  the  holy  dead.  Vision  of  Armageddon. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  John,  angels,  anti-christ. 

Conclusion:  There  shall  be  preserved  during  the  great  Tribulation  period  a 
great  company  out  of  Israel,  who  will  follow  the  Lamb  and  give  glory  to 
Him  at  whatever  cost.  There  will  be  also  a  multitude  of  Gentiles  re- 
deemed by  their  acceptance  of  the  everlasting  Gospel,  but  at  the  cost  of 
martyrdom.  Woe  to  those  who  worship  the  beast  and  receive  his  mark, 
for  they  shall  be  tormented  in  hell  forever. 

Key  Word:      Tribulation  saints  and  sinners,  vv.  1,9. 

Strong  Verses:       1,  2,  3,  9,  10,  11,  13. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  14-15.  He  who  bears  the  golden  crown  is  none  other  than 
the  Lord  Jesus,  who  will  a  short  time  after  this  be  found  wearing  the 
crown  of  universal  sovereignty  (Rev.  19:12).  At  the  close  of  the  great 
Tribulation  He  will  thrust  in  the  sickle  to  cut  down  the  earth's  harvest 
of  evil  (this  will  be  at  Armageddon)  which  will  then  have  come  to  its 
culmination  (see  Mk.  4:29). 

CHAPTER  FIFTEEN 

Contents:  Vision  of  the  angels  of  the  seven  last  plagues  and  the  bowls  of  the 
wrath  of  God. 

Characters:      Christ,  John,  7  angels,  Moses,  4  beasts. 

Conclusion:  In  the  hours  when  the  unexampled  wrath  of  God  is  being  poured 
out  upon  the  earth  there  will  be  a  faithful  redeemed  company,  who  in  spite 
of  all  their  sufferings  for  Christ's  sake,  will  be  enabled  to  join  in  the 
great  chorus  exalting  Jehovah  their  Deliverer  and  the  Lamb,  their  Saviour. 

Key  Word:      Wrath  of  God,  vv.  1,  7. 

Strong  Verses:       3,  4. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  3.  "King  of  saints"  is  literally  "King  of  ages,  or  nations." 
Jesus  is  never  represented  as  King  of  the  saints,  or  the  Church,  but  as 
their  Lord.  The  relationship  of  the  Church  saints  in  the  present  age  is  a 
nearer  relationship  than  that  of  subjects  of  a  King.  He  is  the  Bridegroom. 
These  Tribulation  saints,  however,  will  be  related  to  Him  as  subjects 
and  they  exalt  Him  as  "King  of  Nations." 

CHAPTER   SIXTEEN 

Contents:      Vials  of  God's  wrath  poured  out. 

Characters:      God,   Christ,   John,    7   angels,   beast,    3    demons. 

Conclusion:  There  shall,  in  the  great  Tribulation  period,  be  poured  out  such 
manifestations  of  the  wrath  of  God  against  Satan  and  sinners  as  man  has 
never  conceived.  The  terrors  of  those  days  will  surpass  anything  known 
in  the  earth  before  those  days,  and  shall  never  be  known  thereafter.  Woe 
to  those  who  choose,  by  their  rejection  of  Christ  in  the  Gospel  day,  to  be 
left  to  that  time. 

Key  Word:      Vials  of  wrath,  v.   1. 

Strong  Verses:      5,  6,  15. 

Striking  Facts:  v.  15.  Even  in  the  great  Tribulation  there  is  an  advent  hope 
held  out  to  keep  the  remnant  looking  up.  Before  Christ's  first  advent  be- 
lievers in  the  promises  were  inspired  and  kept  by  the  expectation  of  His 
coming.  Until  the  rapture  of  the  Church,  His  second  coming  is  held  out 
as  the  "blessed  hope."  In  the  great  Tribulation,  the  one  and  only  hope 
of  relief  will  be  His  return  in  glory  with  the  saints  to  cleanse  the  earth 
and  to  reign. 

CHAPTER  SEVENTEEN 

Contents:      The  doom  of  Babylon,  the  last  great  ecclesiastical  order. 

Characters:      Christ,  John,   7  angels,  beast. 

Conclusion:  There  will  be  in  the  Tribulation  period  a  great  apostate  ecclesi- 
astical system  headed  up  under  a  powerful  religious  leader,  drawing  after 
it  thousands  of  deluded  worshippers,  who  in  reality  are  worshipping  the 
devil  and  the  beast.  This  enormous  world-system  will  be  brought  to  a 
fearful  end  and  all  those  connected  with  it  will  share  its  fate. 


Page  Ninety-Four  REVELATION 

Key  Word:      Mystery  Babylon,  v.  5. 

Strong  Verses:      14. 

Striking  Facts:  Many  Bible  students  believe  that  we  have  here  the  Roman 
Catholic  system  headed  up  in  a  fearfully  apostate  state.  A  woman  is 
symbolical  of  "church"  (2  Cor.  11:12).  This  woman  (v.  5)  stands  in 
contrast  to  the  Church  of  Christ,  which  is  a  "chaste  virgin."  The  true 
Church  is  "espoused  to  one  husband;"  this  one  is  given  up  to  the  kings  of 
the  earth.  The  Church  is  the  "mystery  of  godliness;"  this  one  is  "mystery 
Babylon."  The  Church  offers  "the  cup  of  Salvation;"  this  one  offers  "cup 
full  of  abominations."  Mystery  Babylon  is  rich,  and  it  has  its  seat  on 
seven  hills  (Rome). 

CHAPTER  EIGHTEEN 

Contents:  Last  form  of  apostate  Christendom  and  the  warning  to  God's  peo- 
ple. The  human  and  the  angelic  views  of  Babylon. 

Characters:      God,  John,  angels. 

Conclusion:  As  there  is  to  be  an  ecclesiastical  Babylon  ("confusion")  heading 
up  in  the  great  Tribulation  period,  so  there  is  also  a  great  political  Baby- 
lon, the  pride  of  the  great  men  of  the  earth,  which  shall  likewise  come  to 
a  terrible  and  an  everlasting  end,  when  Christ  shall  return  in  glory.  This 
great  system,  back  of  which  is  anti-christ,  will  bitterly  hate  any  who 
would  glorify  any  god  but  materialism  and  the  beast  and  will  be  guilty  of 
the  blood  of  many  prophets  and  saints  who  have  stood  true  to  the  ever- 
lasting Gospel. 

Key  Word:      Babylon's  fall,  vv.  2,  21. 

CHAPTER  NINETEEN 

Contents:  Parenthetical  chapter  on  what  is  taking  place  in  heaven  while  the 
Tribulation  rages.  The  alleluias,  marriage  of  the  Lamb,  second  coming 
in  glory,  Armageddon,  doom  of  the  beast,  False  Prophet,  and  kings. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  John,  24  elders,  4  beasts,  angel,  beast,  False  Prophet. 

Conclusion:  During  those  days  when  the  wrath  of  God  is  poured  out  upon 
the  earth,  the  Bride  of  Christ  will  in  heaven  celebrate  the  long  looked  for 
marriage  festivities,  and  arrayed  in  her  cleansed  garments  shall  be  eter- 
nally united  with  Him  Who  is  to  be  recognized  in  all  the  universe,  and 
for  all  time,  as  King  of  King  and  Lord  of  Lords.  When  He  comes  forth 
to  make  an  end  of  all  evil,  His  Bride  shall  come  with  Him,  associated  in 
judgment,  and  later  to  rule  with  Him. 

Key  Word:      Marriage  supper,  v.  9.     Armageddon,  v.  15. 

Strong  Verses:      5,   7,   8,   9. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  11-16.  We  have  here  a  vision  of  the  departure  from 
heaven  of  Christ  with  His  saints  (previously  caught  up  to  be  with  Him — 
1  Thes.  4:13-18)  and  with  His  angels  preparatory  to  the  catastrophe  in 
which  all  world  powers  shall  be  smitten  (Dan.  2:34-35).  On  Christ's 
head  here  we  see  many  crowns  ("diadems")  (cf.  14:14)  for  the  hour  is 
now  at  hand  when  He  is  to  be  exalted  and  enthroned  in  His  Kingdom, 
to  "sit  upon  the  throne  of  His  father  David." 

CHAPTER  TWENTY 

Contents:  Satan  bound  for  the  Kingdom  age.  The  first  resurrection.  Satan 
loosed  at  the  end  of  the  millenium,  and  his  final  doom.  Judgment  of  the 
great  White  Throne. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  John,  angel,  Satan. 

Conclusion:  When  the  Tribulation  days  shall  have  run  their  course,  Christ 
shall  come  with  His  saints,  and  having  cast  down  all  opposing  powers, 
will  fling  Satan  into  the  bottomless  pit  for  a  thousand  years,  during  which 
time  He,  with  the  saints,  shall  rule  over  the  earth.  At  the  end  of  the 
millenium  Satan  will  be  temporarily  released,  but  he  and  his  quickly  gath- 
ered followers  will  be  cast  into  the  final  hell  forever.  At  that  time  also 
the  unsaved  dead  of  all  the  ages  will  be  resurrected  and  after  being  judged 
according  to  their  works  will  be  given  their  portion  in  perdition. 

Key  Word:      Judgment,  vv.  2,  11. 

Strong  Verses:      4,    6,   12. 


REVELATION  Page  Ninety-Five 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  4,  6.  Christ  is  seen  in  this  chapter  as  the  Judge  and  then 
as  the  millenial  King.  Those  who  are  associated  with  Him  in  this  King- 
dom are  the  Church  and  the  Tribulation  saints.  Those  who  are  now  being 
called  unto  Christ  are  therefore  appointed,  not  to  be  subjects  of  the  King- 
dom, but  co-rulers,  priests  of  God  and  of  Christ,  and  will  have  their 
specific  work  in  connection  with  the  work  of  His  universal  empire. 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-ONE 

Contents:  The  seven  new  things  of  the  Kingdom  age — earth,  peoples,  Jeru- 
salem, temple,  light,  Paradise  (Chap.  22). 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  John,  7  angels. 

Conclusion:  It  will  be  the  perfect  happiness  of  the  saints,  when  Christ  re- 
turns to  reign,  to  have  God's  immediate  presence  with  them,  His  love  fully 
manifested  to  them  and  His  glory  fully  put  upon  them.  No  remembrance 
of  former  sorrows  shall  remain  and  all  causes  for  future  sorrow  shall  be 
removed.  Whatever  is  excellent  and  valuable  in  this  world  will  be  there 
enjoyed  to  a  far  greater  degree,  and  Christ  will  be  the  everlasting  foun- 
tain of  knowledge  and  joy  to  His  people. 

Key  Word:      Heaven,  v.   1. 

Strong  Verses:      2,  4,  6,  7,  23,  24,  25. 

Striking  Facts:  vv.  9,  23.  The  peculiar  glory  of  the  Lord  Jesus  to  all  eternity 
is  as  the  "Lamb"  which  will  ever  remind  of  His  sacrificial  act  upon  the 
cross.  This  title  is  applied  to  Him  27  times  in  Revelation.  In  the  presence 
of  "the  Lamb,"  there  will  be  no  need  of  sun  nor  moon,  any  more  than 
here  we  need  to  light  candles  at  noon-day,  for  "the  Lamb  is  the  light 
thereof." 

CHAPTER  TWENTY-TWO 

Contents:  The  New  Paradise  and  its  river  of  the  water  of  life.  The  last  ex- 
hortation of  Christ — to  be  ready  for  His  second  coming. 

Characters:      God,  Christ,  Holy  Spirit,  John,  angel,  David. 

Conclusion:  The  Paradise  lost  by  the  first  Adam  shall  be  restored  by  the  Sec- 
ond Adam,  and  in  this  Paradise  there  shall  be  multitudes  saved  through 
the  Lamb,  to  behold  its  beauties  and  to  taste  its  pleasures  forever.  Let 
all  men  labor  to  understand  the  prophecies  of  these  things  shortly  com- 
ing to  pass  that  they  might  be  prepared  to  meet  the  Lord  Jesus,  having 
embraced  His  salvation,  yea,  and  earnestly  longing  and  praying  for  the 
hour  of  His  appearance.  "Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesus." 

Key  Word:      Imminent  return,  vv.  7,  12,  20. 

Strong  Verses:      3,  4,  5,  7,  12,  14,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21. 

Striking  Facts:  The  Bible  closes  with  emphasis  on  the  fidelity  of  the  Scrip- 
tures (v.  6)  on  salvation  by  grace  the  free  gift  of  the  Lord  Jesus  (v.  17) 
-  and  on  the  doctrine  of  the  pre-millennial  return  of  Christ  (vv.  7,  12,  20). 
The  great  "peace  prayer"  of  the  Bible,  and  the  last  prayer  of  the  Bible, 
is  "Come,  Lord  Jesus,"  and  Jesus'  last  recorded  words  are,  "Surely,  I 
come  quickly.  Amen."  This  is  the  thought  He  would  leave  with  us.  May 
God  open  the  eyes  of  every  reader  to  the  "blessed  hope,  the  glorious  ap- 
pearing of  the  Great  God  and  our  Saviour,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ." — 
Tit.  2:13. 


Page  Ninety-Six 

SUMMARY 

Genesis  begins  with  creation.     Revelation  ends  with  the  New  Creation. 

In  Genesis  we  have  the  first  Sabbath.  Revelation  closes  with  the  holy 
rest  in  the  new  creation. 

Genesis  gives  us  the  first  Adam,  head  of  the  old  humanity.  Revelation 
leaves  us  with  the  second  Adam,  head  of  the  new  humanity. 

Genesis  gives  us  Eve,  the  wife  of  the  first  Adam,  sinning,  condemned  and 
sorrowing.  Revelation  leaves  us  with  the  second  Eve,  the  Bride  of  Christ, 
exalted,  holy  and  glorious. 

In  Genesis  we  have  exclusion  from  the  tree  of  life.  Revelation  leaves  us 
with  access  to  it  and  authority  over  it. 

In  Genesis  we  have  an  earth  cursed.  In  Revelation  we  have  the  earth 
fully  delivered  from  the  curse. 

Genesis  gives  us  Satan  tempting  and  bruising.  In  Revelation  we  leave 
him  bruised  and  in  the  lake  of  fire  forever. 

In  Genesis  we  have  the  first  sob  and  tear.  In  Revelation  all  tears  and 
sighing  are  forever  gone. 


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